PNS|Hyderabad
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Thursday participated in the sacred Saraswati Pushkaralu at the Triveni Sangamam in Kaleshwaram, marking the first time Telangana has officially conducted the festival since its formation.
The event began with the Chief Minister performing the ritual holy dip and praying at the Sri Kaleshwara Muktheshwara Swamy Temple.
A highlight of the evening was the spellbinding Saraswati Navaratnamala Harathi, performed by seven priests especially invited from Kashi, known for their iconic Ganga Harathi on the banks of the Ganges. 80000 people took dip in Saraswati Pushkaralu.
The grand Harathi, backed by the poetic verse “Yakundendu Tusharahara Dhavala…”, composed by Bammera Pothana, added depth to the sacred proceedings. The CM felicitated lyricist Jonnavithula and the Harathi team for their contribution.
Addressing the gathering at the Saraswati Ghat, the Chief Minister said, “This is not just a festival; it is a celebration of our culture and tradition. Saraswati Pushkaralu marks the beginning. The Godavari and Krishna Pushkaralu will be even grander in the coming three years.”
He emphasised that during his tenure, events reflecting the state’s spiritual heritage will receive the highest importance.
“For the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu, we will allocate Rs 200 crore to develop the Manthani region as a tourist destination through the green channel. I consider it my fortune to oversee Krishna, Godavari and Saraswati Pushkaralu during my tenure. We will soon organise Godavari and Krishna Pushkaralu with matching grandeur,” the CM said.
Revanth also acknowledged the cultural legacy of the Manthani constituency by recalling former PM P.V. Narasimha Rao and Sripada Rao, and praised Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu’s role in securing investments of Rs 3 lakh crore for Telangana.
“Sridhar Babu is not just carrying forward the legacy of Manthani but strengthening Telangana’s economy. Such leaders deserve the people’s support,” he said.
He said that Rs 200 crore would be allocated for developing the Kaleshwaram region into a major pilgrimage and tourism hub and directed officials to prepare a master plan. The government, he said, is ready to fast-track funds through green channel clearances, the CM added.
Endowments Minister Konda Surekha said that arrangements had been made in the last three months, including the setting up of tent cities and medical camps. She urged devotees not to pollute the river after their ritual bath.
Industries Minister Sridhar Babu reiterated that the state had brought in expert priests from Kashi for the Harathi and made detailed plans to ensure that devotees from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh faced no inconvenience.
He also requested the CM to release funds for the development of the Kaleshwaram pilgrimage corridor and the nearby Ramagiri Fort tourism project.
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said that despite the state’s financial constraints, schemes reflecting public aspiration were being implemented sincerely.
Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar extended his wishes to the public and invoked the blessings of Goddess Saraswati for Telangana.
