The Cauvery Aarti held at the Brindavan Gardens, Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS), from September 26 to 30 captivated lakhs of devotees and tourists. The ritual, blending North and South Indian traditions, drew praise not only from visitors across Karnataka but also from national and international tourists.

For many who had never witnessed the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, the Cauvery Aarti proved deeply moving as they offered prayers to the river with devotion.

According to the organisers, several participants urged the State government to make it a weekly event instead of restricting it to the Dasara festivities.

Officials described the programme as a ‘milestone’ in Karnataka’s cultural and religious history. The aarti has given a new dimension to the iconic KRS, boosting tourism and providing a platform to showcase Mandya’s art and heritage through cultural performances, they added.

The five-day event also triggered a surge in tourist arrivals, with local traders reporting brisk business. The government’s decision to waive toll fees for vehicles and entry charges to Brindavan Gardens encouraged a record turnout. Traders said business activity has significantly increased since the start of the event.

Organisers said in a press release that people in Mandya lauded the initiative, observing that worship of rivers requires no approval. Many felt the aarti was a fitting tribute to the Cauvery, which sustains life by providing drinking water and irrigation.

“Farmers, women, and the public from Mandya district, the river basin, and across the State participated in this worship dedicated to Cauvery. The pooja is being conducted in such a way that there will be no shortage of water for drinking or irrigation,” said MLA for Srirangapatna Ramesh Babu Bandisidde Gowda.

“Tourist numbers at the KRS have risen sharply since the Cauvery Aarti began. Over 25,000 visitors are arriving daily to witness the aarti and the illumination of the dam,” said Jayant, Executive Engineer, Cauvery Neeravari Nigam, KRS.