Daijiworld Media Network – Mandya

Mandya, Sep 26: In celebration of Dasara and the launch of the first-ever ‘Cauvery Aarti’, entry to the KRS Brindavan Gardens will be completely free for visitors from September 26 to October 2, announced Srirangapatna MLA Ramesh Bandi Siddegowda.

During this week-long celebration, no toll will be charged on vehicles entering the premises, and no admission fee will be collected for garden entry, he confirmed.

Adding spiritual and cultural significance to the occasion, the Karnataka government is introducing the ‘Cauvery Aarti’—modeled on the famous ‘Ganga Aarti’—for the first time in South India.

The five-day programme will take place at the KRS Dam, beginning Friday, September 26.

Deputy chief minister and water resources minister D K Shivakumar will inaugurate the ritual with traditional floral offerings to the Cauvery river, conducted as per scriptural norms.

Officials expect a daily footfall of 8,000 to 10,000 visitors, including tourists from across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, to witness the event and visit the Brindavan Gardens. To mark the occasion, Deputy CM Shivakumar has instructed the preparation and distribution of laddus as prasada to all visitors throughout the five-day celebration. Arrangements for this are already underway.

Described as the lifeline of Karnataka, the Cauvery river holds deep emotional and cultural value. With thousands already visiting KRS daily, the introduction of the ‘Cauvery Aarti’ is expected to significantly boost tourism and enhance the spiritual atmosphere at the iconic site.