Consider the following statements regarding Pushkaram:

1. Pushkaram is an Indian festival dedicated to the worship of 12 sacred rivers, each associated with a zodiac sign.

2. Only rivers originating in the Himalayas are celebrated during Pushkaram.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is option 1.

In News

• Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu announced that Godavari Pushkaram will be held from July 23 to August 3, 2027. The Andhra Pradesh government aims to celebrate the festival on par with Maha Kumbh, with extensive planning and coordination between various departments.

Key Points

• Pushkaram is a 12-day Hindu festival dedicated to 12 sacred rivers in India, each associated with a specific zodiac sign. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
• The festival occurs once every 12 years for each river, based on the movement of Jupiter (Brihaspati) into a new zodiac sign.
• Rivers originating in different geographical regions are included, not just the Himalayan rivers. For instance, rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, which originate in the Western Ghats, are also celebrated. Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect.
• Legend: The festival is named after Pushkara, a devotee blessed by Lord Shiva with the ability to purify rivers.

Additional Information

• Some of the rivers associated with Pushkaram include Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Saraswati, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Bhima, Tapti, Tungabhadra, Sindhu, and Pranhita.
• The first 12 days after Jupiter enters a particular zodiac sign mark the Pushkaram period for the corresponding river.
• Pushkaram is celebrated with ritual baths, temple visits, and cultural events along the banks of the designated river.