Saraswati Antya Pushkaralu Begins at Kaleshwaram with Sacred Rituals and Massive Devotee Turnout

Hyderabad, May 2026: The 12-day Saraswati Antya Pushkaralu commenced with religious fervour at Kaleshwaram in Telangana’s Jayashankar Bhupalapally district on Thursday, drawing thousands of devotees from across the state and neighbouring regions to the sacred Triveni Sangam.

The spiritual event began early in the morning with Kanchi Math pontiff Sri Shankar Vijayendra Saraswati taking the first holy dip at 5.43 a.m., marking the ceremonial opening of the Pushkaralu. Telangana Endowments Minister Konda Surekha, IT and Industries Minister Dudilla Sridhar Babu along with his wife, legislators, senior officials, and religious scholars also participated in the inaugural sacred bath.

Authorities estimate that nearly 20 to 30 lakh devotees are expected to participate in the Pushkaralu during the 12-day event, which is being organised in Telangana for the first time on such a grand scale.

Kaleshwaram holds immense spiritual significance as it is believed to be the meeting point of the mystical Saraswati River with the Godavari and Pranahita rivers, forming the sacred Triveni Sangam. The confluence is considered one of the rarest in the country, with Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh being the only other place associated with such a holy meeting of rivers.

According to Hindu belief, taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam during Pushkaralu washes away sins and helps devotees attain spiritual purification and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Several dignitaries including MLAs Gandra Satyanarayana Rao and Malreddy Rangareddy, Endowments Department Commissioner Hanumantha Rao, District Collector Rahul Sharma, and religious advisor Govinda Hari joined the rituals alongside devotees.

Devotees from various parts of Telangana and neighbouring states began arriving at Kaleshwaram from the early hours of the day, leading to heavy crowds at bathing ghats and temple premises.

The district administration has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the mega religious gathering. Officials said facilities related to security, sanitation, drinking water, transportation, medical services, accommodation, and crowd management have been put in place to avoid inconvenience to pilgrims.

District Collector Rahul Sharma stated that all government departments are working in close coordination to ensure devotees can perform Pushkara Snanams safely and comfortably throughout the auspicious period.

Earlier, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed officials to conduct the Saraswati Antya Pushkaralu with devotion and grandeur from May 21 to June 1. He instructed authorities to ensure seamless traffic management and uninterrupted movement of devotees.

Considering the prevailing summer heat, the Chief Minister also advised pilgrims to take necessary health precautions while participating in the rituals.

Team Maverick.