Hyderabad: The sacred town of Kaleshwaram is getting ready for a rare and deeply spiritual event—Saraswati Pushkaralu, which begins on May 15 and continues for twelve days. Held just once every 12 years, the festival marks the moment when Jupiter enters Mithuna Rasi, a time when devotees believe the invisible Saraswati river spiritually surfaces.
While the Saraswati river isn’t visible to the eye, flowing silently beneath the earth, her presence is deeply believed by the faithful. Locals believe that during Pushkaralu, the invisible Saraswati spiritually surfaces and flows into the Triveni Sangam at Kaleshwaram, where she’s said to meet the Godavari and Pranahita. It’s a strong conviction that brings thousands here, not merely to bathe, but to feel more connected to something timeless. For others, it’s less ritual and more rediscovering their origins, their religion, and their heritage.
There’s a subtle sense of urgency in Jayashankar Bhupalpally. Workers are out early repairing roads, laying pipelines, and clearing the ghats. Locals are lending a hand too, setting up shelters and helping with preparations. “We may not see something like this again for another twelve years,” said a bus driver in the area. “We want to welcome people the right way.” Local volunteers are getting ready too. “People are coming from far and wide. We want everything to go smoothly,” said Ramesh, a shopkeeper who’s lived near the temple for over 20 years. Families from Telangana and neighbouring states are already arriving, some having booked their travel months in advance.
As the festival begins, the riverbanks will come alive from early morning. Pilgrims will gather to offer pinda daan for their ancestors, chant age-old prayers, and step into the river with quiet hope. For many elderly visitors, this may be their final Pushkaralu—and they’re treating it not as a ritual, but as a deeply personal farewell and blessing.
While the river’s mythical source lies near Mana village in Uttarakhand, close to Badrinath, it’s Kaleshwaram’s symbolic convergence that draws the biggest crowds in the south. The Telangana government has promised round-the-clock arrangements—medical teams, drinking water, buses, mobile toilets, and safety personnel will all be in place.
Beyond the spiritual aspect, the state sees this as an opportunity to showcase Telangana’s temple tourism circuit. With footfall expected to spike, local businesses—from small eateries to hotels and craft sellers—are preparing for a busy couple of weeks.
Other places like Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Pushkar in Rajasthan, and Somnath in Gujarat will also observe the Saraswati Pushkaralu, but for many, Kaleshwaram’s Triveni Sangam remains one of the most meaningful spots to mark this sacred occasion.
