Godavari Pushkaralu 2027

Godavari Pushkaralu 2027: Dates, Ghats, Places & How to Plan Your Visit

Godavari Pushkaralu 2027 is scheduled from 26 June to 7 July 2027. The twelve-day festival will be celebrated along the banks of the Godavari River across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with major gatherings expected at Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry), Bhadrachalam, Basara, Kaleshwaram and other sacred towns along the river.

This is the first Godavari Pushkaralu since 2015 — a gap of twelve years — and millions of devotees and travellers are expected to visit the Godavari during the festival period.

What Is Pushkaralu? (Pushkaram Meaning & the 12-Year Cycle)

Pushkaralu (also called Pushkaram) is a Hindu river festival that follows a twelve-year cycle linked to the movement of Brihaspati (Jupiter) through the twelve zodiac signs. Each of India's twelve sacred rivers is associated with one zodiac sign. When Jupiter transits into that sign, the corresponding river's Pushkaralu begins.

The Godavari Pushkaram is tied to Jupiter's transit into Simha (Leo). Since Jupiter takes roughly twelve years to complete one orbit of the zodiac, each river's Pushkaralu comes once every twelve years.

The main Pushkaralu lasts twelve days. The first day (Aadi Pushkaram) and the last day (Anthya Pushkaram) are traditionally considered the most auspicious for sacred bathing.

What do devotees do during Pushkaralu?

• Pushkara Snanam — bathing in the sacred river, believed to wash away sins and bring spiritual merit
• Pitru Tarpana — offering prayers and rituals for deceased ancestors
• Dana (charity) — giving food, clothing and donations to the needy
• Puja and Homa — performing prayer rituals and fire ceremonies at the river ghats
• Cultural programmes — music, devotional singing, religious discourses and processions organised along the river

Godavari Pushkaralu Dates: Past and Upcoming

Godavari Pushkaralu follows a recurring twelve-year cycle:

YearGodavari Pushkaralu

• 1979 — Godavari Pushkaralu
• 1991 — Godavari Pushkaralu
• 2003 — Godavari Pushkaralu
• 2015 — Godavari Pushkaralu
• 2027 — Godavari Pushkaralu

The 2015 Godavari Pushkaralu was held in July 2015 and drew an estimated 30 million pilgrims across the twelve-day period. The 2027 edition is expected to be even larger.

Godavari Pushkaralu 2027: What to Expect

The East Godavari District Administration has confirmed the 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu dates as 26 June to 7 July 2027. State governments in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are preparing infrastructure along the river, including:

• Ghat renovations and expansions
• Temporary bathing areas and changing facilities
• Road widening and new approach roads to major ghats
• Special train and bus services to Rajamahendravaram, Bhadrachalam and other festival towns
• Sanitation, drinking water and medical facilities for pilgrims
• Crowd-management and security arrangements

As the festival approaches, travellers should check official government announcements for the latest details on ghat timings, traffic diversions, parking zones and accommodation availability.

Important Godavari Pushkaralu Places

The Godavari flows over 1,400 km from Nashik in Maharashtra to the Bay of Bengal, passing through Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Pushkaralu is celebrated at sacred sites along the entire stretch. Here are the most important locations:

Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry), Andhra Pradesh

Rajamahendravaram is the main centre of Godavari Pushkaralu. The town sits directly on the Godavari and has the highest concentration of bathing ghats, temples and festival infrastructure.

Key ghats: Pushkar Ghat, Saraswati Ghat, Gautami Ghat, Kotipalli Ghat, Devi Chowk Ghat

How to reach:

• By air: Rajahmundry Airport (RJA) — flights from Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru and Visakhapatnam
• By train: Rajahmundry Railway Station (RJY) — well connected on the Howrah–Chennai main line, with direct trains from Hyderabad (~7 hrs), Vijayawada (~3 hrs), Visakhapatnam (~4 hrs) and other major cities
• By road: ~400 km from Hyderabad (~6 hrs), ~200 km from Vijayawada (~3.5 hrs), ~190 km from Visakhapatnam (~4 hrs)

Rajamahendravaram is also the starting point for most Godavari river cruises and Papikondalu boat trips.

Kovvur, Andhra Pradesh

Kovvur sits on the opposite bank of the Godavari from Rajamahendravaram, connected by road and rail bridges. During Pushkaralu, Kovvur ghats serve as an important alternative bathing site, often less crowded than the Rajamahendravaram side.

How to reach: 5 km from Rajahmundry across the Godavari bridges.

Pattiseema, Andhra Pradesh

Pattiseema is a small village on the Godavari known for the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Project and its traditional significance during Pushkaralu. The village offers a quieter festival experience away from the main crowds.

How to reach: ~20 km from Rajamahendravaram.

Antarvedi, Andhra Pradesh

Antarvedi is the point where the Godavari meets the Bay of Bengal. The Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Antarvedi is a popular pilgrimage destination, and the confluence (sangamam) is considered highly sacred during Pushkaralu.

How to reach: ~80 km from Rajamahendravaram by road.

Bhadrachalam, Telangana

Bhadrachalam is home to the famous Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple, one of the most important Rama temples in South India. The town sits on the Godavari in Telangana and is a major Pushkaralu destination for pilgrims from across the state.

How to reach:

• ~300 km from Hyderabad (~6 hrs by road)
• ~190 km from Rajamahendravaram (~4 hrs by road)
• Bhadrachalam Road Railway Station (BDCR) is on the Vijayawada–Kazipet line

Bhadrachalam is also a starting or ending point for Godavari boat journeys to and from Rajamahendravaram via Papikondalu.

Dharmapuri, Telangana

Dharmapuri is an ancient temple town on the Godavari in Jagtial district. The Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple here is one of the Pancha Narasimha Kshetras. Dharmapuri Pushkaralu ghats are an important bathing site for pilgrims in northern Telangana.

How to reach: ~200 km from Hyderabad (~4 hrs by road).

Kaleshwaram, Telangana

Kaleshwaram sits at the confluence of the Godavari and Pranahita rivers. The Kaleshwara Mukteswara Swamy Temple is an important Shiva temple, and the confluence point is considered especially sacred during Pushkaralu.

How to reach: ~250 km from Hyderabad (~5 hrs by road).

Basara, Telangana

Basara is known for the Sri Gnana Saraswati Temple, one of only two temples in India dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The town sits on the Godavari in Nirmal district and draws large numbers of pilgrims during Pushkaralu, especially families with children seeking blessings for education.

How to reach: ~210 km from Hyderabad (~4.5 hrs by road).

Godavari Pushkaralu Ghats

River ghats are the heart of the Pushkaralu experience. These stepped riverbanks are where devotees perform Pushkara Snanam (sacred bathing), Pitru Tarpana (ancestral prayers) and other rituals.

Rajamahendravaram has the largest number of designated Pushkaralu ghats. During the 2015 edition, authorities designated over 30 bathing ghats along the Rajamahendravaram–Kovvur stretch to manage the pilgrim flow.

For 2027, government authorities are upgrading existing ghats and building additional temporary bathing platforms. Key improvements include better lighting, non-slip surfaces, handrails, separate entry and exit routes, and medical aid stations at major ghats.

Tips for visiting ghats during Pushkaralu:

• Arrive early in the morning to avoid peak crowds
• Follow the designated entry and exit routes at each ghat
• Carry minimal belongings — lockers or bag counters may be available at larger ghats
• Check official announcements for ghat-specific timings and any closures
• The first day (Aadi Pushkaram) and last day (Anthya Pushkaram) are the busiest — plan accordingly

Godavari River Cruises & Boat Trips During Pushkaralu

The Godavari between Rajamahendravaram and Bhadrachalam passes through the Papikondalu hills — a stretch of forested gorges, tribal villages and scenic river landscapes that is one of the most popular river tourism destinations in South India.

A Godavari Pushkaralu trip can be combined with a river cruise or boat journey to experience the Godavari beyond the festival ghats.

Papikondalu Boat Trip (Rajahmundry to Bhadrachalam)

The Papikondalu boat journey covers roughly 175 km along the Godavari through narrow gorges flanked by the Papi hills. The route passes through Pattiseema, Polavaram and several tribal villages before reaching Bhadrachalam.

• Duration: Typically a full day (departing early morning, arriving by evening) or an overnight trip with stops
• What you see: Papikondalu hill ranges, the gorge section where the river narrows, tribal hamlets, birdlife, and dense forest on both banks
• Season: Boat services typically run from October to May, though schedules can change during Pushkaralu. Check availability in advance for the June–July Pushkaralu period, as river water levels during monsoon can affect services.

Godavari River Cruises (Rajamahendravaram)

Shorter river cruises from Rajamahendravaram offer a 2–4 hour experience on the Godavari without the full Papikondalu journey. These typically run along the Rajamahendravaram–Kovvur stretch, passing under the rail and road bridges with views of the river ghats.

Bhadrachalam Boating

Boat rides on the Godavari at Bhadrachalam are available near the Rama temple. These are shorter excursions (30 minutes to 1 hour) along the river near the town.

For Godavari river travel, cruises and Papikondalu boat experiences, Nadi Yatra offers guided river journeys in the Godavari region.

How to Plan Your Godavari Pushkaralu 2027 Trip

Accommodation

Hotels in Rajamahendravaram, Bhadrachalam and other Godavari towns fill up fast during Pushkaralu. In 2015, accommodation was fully booked weeks before the festival in Rajamahendravaram. Book your stay as early as possible — ideally 3–6 months in advance. Government and temple authorities also set up temporary pilgrim shelters (choultries) during the festival, but these fill up quickly too.

Transportation

To Rajamahendravaram: Rajahmundry Airport (RJA) for flights; Rajahmundry Railway Station (RJY) for trains from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Chennai and Kolkata; APSRTC and TSRTC buses from major cities.

To Bhadrachalam: Bhadrachalam Road Railway Station (BDCR); TSRTC buses from Hyderabad and Warangal; road from Rajamahendravaram via Kovvur.

During the festival: Expect traffic restrictions, one-way systems and parking zones around major ghats. Special trains and buses are usually announced by Indian Railways and state transport corporations 1–2 months before Pushkaralu. Follow official announcements for route changes.

What to Carry

• Light, quick-drying clothes for bathing at the ghats
• A waterproof bag for valuables and phone
• Comfortable walking footwear (you'll walk a lot between ghats and temples)
• Sun protection — late June in the Godavari region is hot and humid
• Any items needed for Pitru Tarpana or puja (or buy them from stalls near the ghats)

Best Time to Visit

The twelve-day festival runs 26 June to 7 July 2027. If you want to avoid the heaviest crowds, consider visiting on the middle days (roughly 29 June to 4 July) rather than the first and last days. Keep in mind that late June is early monsoon season — expect warm temperatures (32–38°C), high humidity and the possibility of rain.

Combining Pushkaralu with Godavari Sightseeing

If you have extra days, consider extending your trip to explore the wider Godavari region:

• Papikondalu boat trip from Rajamahendravaram to Bhadrachalam (or vice versa)
• Draksharama — one of the Pancharama Kshetras, ~40 km from Rajamahendravaram
• Annavaram — Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, ~60 km from Rajamahendravaram
• Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary — mangrove forests near the Godavari delta, ~45 km from Rajamahendravaram
• Papi Hills — accessible by boat from Rajamahendravaram or Bhadrachalam

Experience the Godavari with Nadi Yatra

If you want to experience the Godavari from the water — whether during Pushkaralu or at any time of year — Nadi Yatra offers river cruises, boat journeys and Papikondalu trips in the Godavari region.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Godavari Pushkaralu 2027?

Godavari Pushkaralu 2027 is scheduled from 26 June to 7 July 2027 (twelve days). The dates are based on Jupiter's transit into Leo (Simha Rashi).

When was the last Godavari Pushkaralu?

The previous Godavari Pushkaralu was held in July 2015. The next one is in 2027 — a gap of twelve years, as per the Pushkaram cycle.

What is the Pushkaram cycle? How many years between each Pushkaralu?

Pushkaram follows a twelve-year cycle tied to Jupiter's orbit through the twelve zodiac signs. Each of India's twelve sacred rivers is linked to one zodiac sign. When Jupiter enters that sign, the river's Pushkaralu is celebrated. So every river gets its Pushkaralu once every twelve years.

Where is Godavari Pushkaralu celebrated?

Godavari Pushkaralu is celebrated at sacred sites along the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh (Rajamahendravaram, Kovvur, Pattiseema, Antarvedi) and Telangana (Bhadrachalam, Dharmapuri, Kaleshwaram, Basara). Rajamahendravaram is the primary centre of the festival.

How do I reach Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry) for Pushkaralu?

Rajamahendravaram is accessible by air (Rajahmundry Airport, code RJA), train (Rajahmundry Railway Station, code RJY, on the Howrah–Chennai main line), and road (~400 km from Hyderabad, ~200 km from Vijayawada). Special trains and buses are usually announced before Pushkaralu.

Can I take a boat trip during Godavari Pushkaralu?

Yes. The Papikondalu boat trip from Rajamahendravaram to Bhadrachalam is one of the most popular Godavari experiences. Shorter Godavari river cruises are also available from Rajamahendravaram. However, since Pushkaralu falls in late June (early monsoon), check boat service availability in advance as river conditions can affect schedules.

What should I plan in advance for Godavari Pushkaralu 2027?

Book accommodation early — hotels in Rajamahendravaram and Bhadrachalam sell out weeks ahead. Arrange transport (check for special trains and buses). If you want a Papikondalu boat trip, book that in advance too. Carry light clothes for bathing, sun protection, and waterproof bags. Check official government announcements closer to the date for ghat timings, traffic restrictions and crowd-management updates.

Is there an entry fee for Godavari Pushkaralu?

No. Bathing at the Pushkaralu ghats is free. There is no entry fee for the festival itself. However, boat trips, river cruises and some temple activities may have separate charges.