Bengaluru: The traditional Cauvery Aarti at the Krishnaraja Sagara (KRS) dam will be held from October 11 to 16 as part of the six-day Srirangapatna Dasara celebrations, Water Resources and Mandya district in-charge minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy said.
The Chief Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the six-day programme on October 11. Cheluvarayaswamy, who reviewed preparations at a meeting at Vikasa Soudha on Wednesday, directed officials to ensure the event is organised without lapses and in accordance with prescribed protocols.
The Cauvery Aarti was introduced at KRS last year and is being continued as part of efforts to highlight the river’s cultural and traditional significance. The minister directed officials to involve the same officers and staff who handled last year’s event to ensure better coordination.
Officials have been asked to make arrangements for free buses from designated parking areas to the venue, road works, LED screens, a grand stage, sound and lighting systems, musical accompaniment, puja materials and cultural programmes. Security arrangements will be tightened in view of the Chief Minister’s presence, while ensuring that the public can access and watch the programme without inconvenience.
Cheluvarayaswamy also held a video conference with KPTCL managing director Ramaprasad, who had overseen last year’s event, and asked him to coordinate with the Mandya deputy commissioner and help finalise the six-day programme.
Preparations for the construction of a Cauvery statue, religious rituals and accommodation for priests arriving from Varanasi were also reviewed. Cultural programmes, musical evenings and comedy shows will be organised throughout the six-day celebrations.
The meeting was attended by Srirangapatna MLA Ramesh Bandisiddegowda, MLC Dinesh Gooligowda, Mandya deputy commissioner Dr Kumar, Zilla Panchayat CEO Nandini, Kannada and Culture Department commissioner Manjushree and other officials.
