Mandya: Chief minister DK Shivakumar Friday evening inaugurated the Cauvery Aarti programme at Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) reservoir, where a large gathering of devotees, tourists and visitors witnessed the colourful religious ceremony.The rituals began with 12 priests performing traditional South Indian rituals for more than 40 minutes, followed by Ganga Aarti conducted by priests from Varanasi in accordance with North Indian traditions. Ganga Aarti continued for over 15 minutes against the backdrop of the reservoir. The programme was scheduled to begin at 6pm but did not start until 7.30pm, leaving guests, including seers.Cauvery Aarti was initiated last year by Shivakumar, when he was deputy chief minister, and has since become a major attraction at KRS.Tourists who had arrived in large numbers to visit the KRS reservoir also witnessed the Aarti. The illuminated setting, traditional chants and coordinated rituals added to the grandeur of the event, which continued for nearly two hours.The ceremony sought to highlight the cultural and spiritual significance of the Cauvery, revered as a lifeline of Karnataka and a vital water source for millions. Suttur Seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami, district minister N Cheluvarayaswamy, MLA Ramesh Bandisiddegowda, DC Kumara and CEO KR Nandini were present.
