AP Chief Minister N.Chandrababu Naidu released the logo for massive celebration of River Godavari and the ‘Maha Godavari Pushkarams’.
The logo looks simple and it reflects the symbolic of the significance of the river and the reverence people have for it, said Parakala Prabhakar, Advisor, Communications, Andhra Pradesh.
The logo selected from among 198 design entries reflects the flowing and dynamic nature of River Godavari and obeisance offered by pilgrims who throng the river banks during the auspicious time of Pushkarams from July 14 to 25. The logo also captures the devotion of people for the river, the sun rise and the purity of sacred flame, he says.
What makes the ensuing Godavari Pushkarams more significant is it is a ‘Maha Pushkaram’ which occurs once in 144 years as against normal Pushkaram cycle of 12 years.
It’s a time when ‘Brihaspati’ enters ‘Simha Raasi’ as per astrological charts and considered an auspicious period when a dip in the river waters during the period would absolve a person of all sins, according to believers.
The estimated expenditure for the event, providing facilities for pilgrims, construction of ghats, and all amenities and carrying out repairs of bridges, laying new roads, giving facelift to existing facilities is about Rs.1,470 crore.
Centre promised to release Rs.100 crore for the major event but the State requested for more funds.
