- Rains in upstream region and improving water levels saw over 30 lakh pilgrims taking the holy dip at Triveni Sangham without water worries

■ Water levels at Kaleshwaram steadily rose from late April, easing concerns ahead of the Pushkaralu.

■ Despite peak summer, no external water was needed from Maharashtra or major Telangana projects.

■ May 9 water level surpassed that of May 1; even within the pushkaralu period, water levels improved.

■ Pushkaralu saw over 30 lakh pilgrims taking the holy dip at Triveni Sangham.

MAHESH AVADHUTHA | Hyderabad 

Call it the blessing of the Rain God or sheer natural timing — the 12-day Saraswati Pushkaralu at Kaleshwaram concluded without a hitch, with no concerns of water scarcity for the lakhs of pilgrims thronging the Triveni Sangham, a rare confluence of three rivers — Godavari, Pranahita and the invisible Saraswati. 

With the festival falling in mid-May, the peak of summer, there was considerable concern about the availability of sufficient water at Kaleshwaram to support the massive crowds. Talk in late April even revolved around requesting water release from Maharashtra or from reservoirs like Sriramsagar and Sripada Yellampalli, both of which were grappling with minimal water levels, prioritizing drinking water needs.

However, starting from the last week of April, a quiet but consistent improvement in water levels brought relief. Throughout this month (May), the water levels near Triveni Sangham at Kaleshwaram witnessed a steady and encouraging rise thus playing a crucial role in the successful and smooth conduct of the 12-day Saraswati Pushkaralu festival.

In contrast to April's relatively modest river flow, May month brought significantly increased levels, ensuring no water scarcity issues for pilgrims and temple activities. The water level on May 9 ( 94.62 metres) was higher than on May 1 ( 94.47 metres), and more notably, the water level (95.11 metres) on the final day of the Pushkaralu (May 26) exceeded that of the first day (May 15) which was 94.93 metres. Authorities were relieved as good downpour in Maharashtra and districts across North Telangana contributed to increased flow into Pranahita and Godavari rivers.

Rainfall in upstream regions and several districts of North Telangana (including Adilabad, Asifabad and Mancherial) significantly contributed to the inflow. These rains ensured sustained water levels at Kaleshwaram during the Pushkaralu, supplementing upstream reservoir releases and keeping water availability uninterrupted. With no external assistance required, the rising river offered enough for the sacred dips, daily ablutions, and religious ceremonies.

IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu, who was actively involved in overseeing the smooth conduct of the Pushkaralu, confirmed that nearly 30 lakh devotees participated in the holy event, a logistical and spiritual success powered entirely by nature.