'Godavari Pushkaram' begins in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana

HYDERABAD: Godavari 'Pushkaram', the once in 144-year event dedicated to worshipping rivers in the two states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangan began today.

The pushkaralu, which is observed once in 12 years, this time is considered auspicious from astronomical point of view as it is Maha Pushkaralu which comes once in 144 years.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, accompanied by his wife and son, took the holy dip in Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh, where the Godavari river is full in its expanse.

He offered prayers to the river and blew a conch shell to mark the beginning of the 12-day event.

Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayandra Sarswathi also took the sacred bath at Rajahmundry.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao performed the holy bath at Dharmapuri in Karimnagar district, kicking of the event in the state.

The 'Pushakaram' is a similar to the ' Kumbh Mela' performed alongside rivers elsewhere in the country and taking holy dip is the main ritual of the festival.

The two state governments have made elaborate arrangements in terms of convenience of pilgrims and also security for the smooth conduct of the event that is celebrated once in 12 years.