Saraswathi Pushkaralu | Hyderabad, May 21: The Telangana government has made elaborate arrangements for the Saraswati Anthya Pushkaralu at Kaleshwaram, which will be held for 12 days from May 21 to June 1.
Authorities expect nearly 30 to 40 lakh devotees from Telangana and neighbouring states to participate in the sacred Pushkar bathing rituals at the Saraswati river ghats. The State government allocated Rs 30.63 crore for organising the mega spiritual event and strengthening infrastructure around the Pushkar ghats.
Taking lessons from last year’s Saraswati Aadi Pushkaralu, officials implemented extensive measures to ensure devotees do not face inconvenience this time.
Due to intense summer heat, authorities arranged coir mats, shaded shelters and ORS packets at the ghats. Around 23 parking zones were created near the venue while BT roads were laid wherever necessary to improve connectivity.
Nearly 500 toilets were installed and two large drinking water tanks were constructed to meet the needs of devotees. Authorities also ensured uninterrupted electricity supply by installing special LED lighting along all major routes leading to the Pushkar ghats.
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Shankar Vijayendra Saraswati formally inaugurated the Pushkaralu on Thursday at 5.43 am by taking the holy dip.
Saraswathi Pushkaralu | Massive Security, Medical And Transport Arrangements
Officials deployed 90 shuttle buses for smooth transportation of devotees to the ghats. Around 100 trained swimmers, rescue teams, safety boats and SDRF personnel have been stationed at the riverfront to prevent mishaps.
Police strengthened surveillance and crowd management arrangements across all major locations. Around 200 CCTV cameras were installed at parking areas, temple premises and Pushkar ghats to monitor movement and ensure public safety.
Every day, spiritual leaders from prominent peethams will participate in the Pushkar rituals. The government also planned daily homams, Harathi programmes, Teppotsavam celebrations and evening cultural events for devotees.
A special media centre has been established to provide continuous updates about Pushkar events and crowd management.
The Endowments Department set up a special museum at a cost of Rs 1.2 crore. Authorities also renovated the Nagendra Swamy temple with an expenditure of Rs 30 lakh.
Health officials established 23 special medical camps across Pushkar zones. Nearly 300 doctors and paramedical staff have been deployed. Ambulances were stationed at key locations while the Mahadevpur Primary Health Centre was upgraded as a referral hospital.
Authorities estimate that around 1.7 lakh vehicles will arrive during the Pushkaralu. Parking arrangements were made across 245 acres. Around 300 sanitation workers were also deployed to maintain cleanliness and hygiene at the ghats and parking areas.
Pushkaralu hold great spiritual significance in Hindu tradition and occur once in 12 years based on Jupiter’s transit into zodiac signs associated with sacred rivers. Devotees believe taking a holy dip during Pushkaralu brings spiritual purification and blessings.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy extended Pushkar greetings
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy extended Pushkar greetings to the people and urged devotees to participate with devotion and discipline.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure smooth traffic regulation and uninterrupted facilities for pilgrims. He also advised devotees to avoid exposure during peak afternoon heat and take necessary health precautions while attending the Pushkar snanams.
He expressed hope that the Saraswati Anthya Pushkaralu would be conducted peacefully in a spiritual atmosphere across the State.
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