As the count down begins for mounting massive celebration of River Godavari and the ‘Maha Godavari Pushkarams’, Chief Minister N.Chandrababu Naidu released the logo for the mega event here on Monday.
Lot of thought went into the selection of the logo, which looks simple yet 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.
Government will soon launch a publicity campaign across various media platforms including social media to promote ‘ Brand Godavari’ on the lines of Ganges and give ‘Godavari Pushkarams’ huge visibility across the country and abroad.
The idea is not to confine it to East and West Godavari districts but promote it in all 13 districts, neighbouring States and across north India besides reaching Indian diaspora, he said.
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.
In line with its significance, Mr. Naidu will be writing personally to invite the President, Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of all States for the 12-day event.
Rare coincidence
For Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, the event offers a rare coincidence as he as the Chief Minister will be presiding over the mega event for the second consecutive time.
The last Godavari Pushkarams occurred in 2003 when he was at the helm in the combined Andhra Pradesh.
With the State planning to divert Godavari waters to Krishna basin through Pattiseema lift irrigation project and for utilising Krishna waters for the perennially parched Rayalaseema region, Godavari will be promoted as State’s natural wealth (‘Jala Siri’ ) and make its worship a part of daily routine for people, Mr. Prabhakar said.
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.
