[2] At least 27 pilgrims, 13 of them women, died and 20 others injured in a stampede at a major bathing spot on the banks of the Godavari river where a huge crowd of devotees had gathered on the opening day of 'Pushkaram' festival.

The notable places are Manthani, Basar, Dharmapuri, Koti Lingala, Kaleshwaram, Bhadrachalam[11] in Telangana and Rajahmundry,[12] Kovvur, Narasapuram, Antarvedi in Andhra Pradesh.

[13] On this occasion, it is essential to take a holy dip in the Godavari River to get the supposed benefits of better physical and mental abilities.

[14] The Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have made all arrangements for this event in their respective states by constructing ghats for bathing and improving road communications, basic amenities of water supply and sanitation, and security.

The emblem or logo with a simple design has lines to denote the rapid flow conditions of the Godavari River, a "jyoti" a glowing light, and the representation of offering oblation, called "Arghyam", to Surya, the Sun god.

[16] A religious symbolic performance called the "Godavari Arathi", a ritual of worship with a number of lamps is also proposed to be held at Rajahmundry where the river flows out to the sea.