more-in Right from his childhood days, Y. Koteswara Sarma has developed a keen interest in the history and significance of the Pushkaram festivals being held at all major rivers like the Godavari, the Krishna and the Cauvery. The passion for this devotional literature has led him to come out with exclusive books on the rituals, ‘puja’ and prayers that the devotees follow while taking a holy bath. Mr. Sarma has now authored an 80-page book on the ‘Sri Cauvery Pushkara Prasasthyam’ which contains all necessary information needed by the devotees going there for a sacred during this year’s festival there from September 12 to 23. Hundreds of thousands of devotees from Andhra Pradesh go to take a holy dip in the Cauvery mostly at Srirangam in Tamil Nadu and at Srirangapatnam in Karnataka. The Andhra crowd would be much bigger at Srirangam. “Prior to the 1950s, there were very smaller numbers of devotees attending the Pushkara festivals. But now thanks to the media coverage, much larger numbers of pilgrims were taking part in these river festivals. Almost all communities were now taking part,” said Mr. Sarma. He had a firm belief that the devotional books and events drawing attention of the masses would leave such an impact that they enhance the moral values in society and families. Referring to the popular beliefs, he said that during the Pushkaram days, the river concerned was understood to have a rare combination of energy and sacredness that a holy dip in it would wash off all the ills and sins of a person. He said that the waters would carry some kind of a magic and it has been believed so as per the mythology till now. Such popular beliefs had led to people from other religions including Muslims and Christians taking part in the river festivals. They would just take a holy bath in the river waters before leaving while some Hindus offer special prayers. Mr. Sarma is also making plans to bring out an exclusive book on the Tungabhadra Pushkaram festival which would be happening in 2020. He had penned several other books including one on the ‘Adi Sankara Jayanthi’. EoM.1645hrs.

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