Godavari Maha Pushkaram
Godavari Maha Pushkaram (lit. 'Great Worship of the Godavari River') was a Hindu festival held from 14 July to 25 July 2015. This festival occurs once every 144 years, corresponding to the 12th recurrence of the 12-year Godavari Pushkaram cycle.
| Godavari Maha Pushkaram | |
|---|---|
Godavari River at sunset at Rajamahendravaram | |
| Genre | Hindu festivals |
| Frequency |
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| Venue | List of Major Ghats
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| Location(s) | Godavari River |
| Country | India |
| Previous event | 14 August 2015 |
| Next event | 2027 |
| Participants | 11 crore (6.4 crore in Andhra Pradesh and 4.6 crore in Telangana) (official) |
| Area | Maharashtra, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh |
| Budget | INR 2300 crores (in 2015) |
| Activity | Holy river dip and worship at the temples on the banks of the river |
| Website | godavarimahapushkaram.org |
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| Hinduism |
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The festival starts from the Ashadha (June/July) month on the Chaturdashi day (thithi) (14th day), when planet Jupiter enters the zodiac sign of Leo. The festival is "theoretically" observed throughout the twelve months that the planet remains in that sign, but the first 12 days are considered most sacred. The first 12 days of the Godavari Pushkaram are known as "Aadhi Pushkaram" and the last 12 days are titled "Anthya Pushkaralu". The next Maha Pushkaram will be celebrated in 2159.
At least 27 pilgrims, 13 of them women, died and 20 others injured in a stampede at a major bathing spot on the banks of the Godavari river where a huge crowd of devotees had gathered on the opening day of 'Pushkaram' festival.