Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: The 12-day Pushkaralu festival of Telugu-speaking people began on April 22 in Varanasi.
| Description | |
| Pushkaram is a festival celebrated in India once every 12 years, dedicated to worshipping the 12 sacred rivers. Each river is associated with a zodiac sign, and the festival is based on the position of Jupiter at the time | |
| Frequency | Once in 12 years |
| Associated Rivers | Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Bhima, Tapti, Narmada, Saraswati, Tungabhadra, Sindhu, Pranhita |
| Festival Duration | 12 days after Jupiter enters that particular zodiac sign |
| Purpose | Ancestor worship; Bathing in the sacred river during Pushkaram is believed to cleanse the devotees of their sins |
| Legend | After severe penance, the devotee Pushkara was blessed by Lord Shiva with the ability to live in water and purify holy rivers. On a request from Bruhaspati (Jupiter), Pushkara decided to enter one of the 12 sacred rivers |
