President, his wife to perform special pujas at birthplace of River Cauvery

Madikeri: President Ram Nath Kovind who will inaugurate ‘Sunny Side,’ a museum dedicated to General Thimayya in Madikeri on Feb. 6, will also visit Bhagamandala and Talacauvery, the birthplace of River Cauvery to offer special pujas. He will be accompanied by his wife Savitha Kovind.

In the wake of his visit, entry of public and devotees has been banned to Bhagamandala and Talacauvery, said Kodagu DC Charulata Somal.

The President will arrive in Bengaluru on Feb. 5 and the next day, his chopper will land at a temporary helipad in Chettimani. His convoy will travel by road to Bhagamandala and Talacauvery and the First Couple will perform special pujas in the morning.

The DC has directed the authorities to ensure that shops and business establishments on the route of the President’s convoy are closed during the time of the visit till he returns. No vehicle will be allowed to park on both sides of the road on which the convoy travels from Chettimani to Talacauvery. 

After the rituals at the holy places, the President will reach Chettimani and take a chopper to Madikeri and land at Golf Grounds and from there he will proceed to Sudarshan Guest House in Madikeri. After lunch, he will inaugurate the museum at 3.45 pm.

Yesterday, a team from the Indian Air Force (IAF) flew to Kodagu in a chopper to examine the preparations made by the Kodagu District Administration ahead of the VVIP visit.

Also, a team of officials including IGP (Southern Range) Praveen Madhukar Pawar visited Bhagamandala Kaveri College yesterday and directed officials to install barricades at the site where the over-bridge work is in progress at Bhagamandala. The IGP reviewed security situation along with Superintendent of Police Kshama Mishra.