Godavari Pushkaralu 2027 — The Ultimate Pilgrim Guide
The Godavari Pushkaralu 2027 is the most awaited 12-year holy festival on the river Godavari, beginning 23 July 2027 and continuing through 3 August 2027. This ultimate guide brings together every essential detail a pilgrim needs — exact dates, muhurtham timings, ghat locations, rituals, transport, accommodation and live helpdesk support — so you can plan a smooth, safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage to Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry) on the banks of the sacred Godavari.
What is Godavari Pushkaralu?
Pushkaralu (also spelt Pushkaram) is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of rivers, observed once every 12 years for each of India’s 12 sacred rivers. Godavari Pushkaralu falls when Brihaspati (Jupiter) enters the zodiac sign of Simha (Leo). On these days, the divine being Pushkar is believed to dwell in the river, and a holy dip during the auspicious window washes away sins and grants moksha. The 12-day festival begins with Aadi Pushkaram and ends with Antya Pushkaram, with the first 12 hours of day one and the last 12 hours of day twelve considered the holiest.
Godavari Pushkaralu 2027 — Dates & Muhurtham
Jupiter enters Simha Rasi at 03:48 AM IST on 23 July 2027, marking the beginning of the festival. The most auspicious snana (holy bath) muhurtham is between 03:48 AM and 03:48 PM on 23 July 2027. The festival concludes with the Antya Pushkaram on 3 August 2027, when Jupiter exits Simha. Detailed daily muhurtham timings, ghat-wise rotation and special days are listed in our Dates & Muhurtham page.
Where to Take the Holy Dip — Pushkar Ghats
The most popular bathing ghats are at Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry), including Pushkar Ghat, Kotilingala Ghat, Saraswati Ghat, Gowthami Ghat, ISKCON Ghat and Kambala Cheruvu Ghat. Other major bathing locations include Bhadrachalam, Dharmapuri, Kaleshwaram, Antarvedi, Pattiseema and Narasapuram. See our complete Pushkaralu Locations Guide and the Rajahmundry Ghats Guide.
How to Reach Rajahmundry
Rajahmundry is well connected by air (RJA — Rajahmundry Airport, 18 km from city), rail (Rajahmundry Junction on Howrah-Chennai main line) and road (NH-16 from Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam). The Government of Andhra Pradesh runs special APSRTC Pushkar buses from major cities, and Indian Railways operates dedicated Pushkar Special Trains during the festival window. Read the full Travel Guide.
Rituals to Perform During Pushkaralu
The core rituals include Pushkar Snanam (holy dip), Pitru Tarpanam (ancestor offerings), Pinda Pradanam, Sankalpam, Brahmana Bhojanam and Daanam (charity). Special pujas include the Kashi Vishwanath Abhishekam at the riverside and the Aksharabhyasam ceremony for children. The complete ritual guide walks through each step in order.
Accommodation, Transport & Helpdesk
The state government has earmarked over 4,000 hotel rooms, tent cities at Pushkar Ghat, and dharmasalas for budget pilgrims. The Pushkaralu Helpdesk operates 24×7 during the festival with multilingual staff (Telugu, Hindi, English) for medical, lost-and-found, transport and legal assistance.
Sightseeing Around Rajahmundry
Combine your pilgrimage with visits to Papikondalu (boat cruise on Godavari), Pattiseema Temple, Draksharamam Bhimeshwara Swamy Temple (one of the Pancharama Kshetras), Antarvedi Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, ISKCON Rajahmundry, Kotipalli and Korukonda. See the Sightseeing Guide.
Pilgrim Safety Guidelines
Carry valid photo ID, drinking water and basic medication. Follow the colour-coded ghat rotation system implemented by the state government to manage crowd density. Senior citizens, pregnant women and small children should bathe only at designated Sukhakara ghats with shallow steps. The official Guidelines page lists complete dos and don’ts.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Godavari Pushkaralu 2027?
From 23 July 2027 to 3 August 2027 — a 12-day festival in Rajamahendravaram.
How many years between Godavari Pushkaralu?
Once every 12 years — the previous Godavari Pushkaralu was held in 2015.
What is the most auspicious time for the holy dip?
The first 12 hours of the festival, between 03:48 AM and 03:48 PM on 23 July 2027.
Is registration required?
The Andhra Pradesh government may roll out a token-based registration for ghat access — latest updates are posted on this site.