Kaveri aarti to begin at KRS from October 2

The Karnataka government has announced that the Kaveri Aarti will be held at the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam from October 2 for one month, with an allocation of Rs 92 crore for the event. Around 8,000 visitors will be allowed daily to witness the exhibition, featuring special lighting and various cultural programs. The Bangalore Water Board Chairman, Dr. V. Ramprasad Manohar, said arrangements for parking and food will be made.

Following directions from Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, the Kaveri Aarti at KRS is set to become a permanent religious, cultural, and tourism event, similar to the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi. A high-level committee recently held its first meeting to finalize the plans. Dr. Ramprasad emphasized the need to start the Aarti by the first day of Dussehra and hold it daily during the festival, with special sessions on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The event will include a floating stage on the river, galleries with seating, toilets, parking, and food stalls. Evening programs will feature cultural performances, laser shows, musical fountains, and fireworks. Local artists and cottage industries will be promoted, along with plans to boost the hotel industry. A ticketing system will be introduced, with some free entry for locals, ensuring smooth crowd management. The Aarti is expected to generate employment and promote tourism across Mandya and neighboring districts, with special tourism packages planned to highlight religious, cultural, environmental, and forest aspects. The event aims to be a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable attraction for Karnataka.