Mandya: The traditional Cauvery Aarti at Krishnaraja Sagara (KRS) dam will be held from Oct 11 to 16 as part of the six-day Srirangapatna Dasara celebrations, district in-charge minister N Cheluvarayaswamy said.Chairing a meeting at Vikasa Soudha in Bengaluru to review preparations, Cheluvarayaswamy directed officials to organise the event on a grand scale and without any shortcomings. Given the limited time, he suggested deploying the same officers and staff involved in last year’s programme.The Cauvery Aarti was introduced at KRS for the first time last year and is being continued to highlight and preserve the river’s cultural and traditional significance.Cheluvarayaswamy directed officials to complete arrangements well in advance, strictly follow protocol and security guidelines, and facilitate smooth and unhindered movement of the public to the venue. Last year, the event was a grand success and entry was free.Officials were instructed to arrange free bus services from designated parking areas to the venue, undertake necessary road works through public works department and publicise the programme through information department.Muzrai department was asked to appoint priests. Arrangements for LED screens, a grand stage, sound and lighting systems, musical accompaniments, ritual materials and cultural programmes were also reviewed.The minister directed officials to strictly follow the ‘D-Zone’ security protocol in view of chief minister’s presence and ensure security arrangements do not inconvenience the public.During the meeting, Cheluvarayaswamy held a video conference with KPTCL managing director Ramaprasad and discussed preparations with the local administration. Construction of a Cauvery statue, ritual procedures and accommodation for priests arriving from Varanasi were also reviewed.Cultural programmes, music and comedy shows will be organised throughout the six-day celebrations.MLC Dinesh Gooligowda, deputy commissioner Kumara and senior officials attended the meeting.
