Srirangapatna: The Cauvery Aarti and cultural programmes as part of Srirangapatna Dasara began at Krishna Raja Sagar’s Brindavan Gardens in Mandya district yesterday evening.

Modelled on the Ganga Aarti of North India, the ritual was inaugurated by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his wife Usha Shivakumar, who offered floral tributes to the Cauvery and lit ceremonial lamps.

Water Resources Minister and Mandya District in-charge N. Cheluvarayaswamy presided.

Cauvery Aarti will be held until Oct. 21. Around 40 priests, led by Om Mishra from Kashi and assisted by trained local purohits, are conducting the rituals.

The ceremonies began with the rendition of ‘Vatapi Ganapatim Bhaje’, accompanied by mangala vadyas, followed by prayers to the Cauvery, Ganapati and Guru and the sankalpa.

The rituals included recitation of the Cauvery Stotra, Teertha Puja, offering of bagina, prayers to Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara, chamara seva, conch blowing in three directions, and incense and lamp offerings.

Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji of Suttur Mutt, Sri Jnanaprakash Swamiji of Urilinga Peddi Mutt, Dr. Nishchalanandanath Swamiji of Kengeri Mutt, Ministers, Legislators and other officials were also present.