Srirangapatna: The 12-day ‘Dakshina Bhageerathi Cauvery Pushkara Maha Mela’ began this morning on the banks of River Cauvery at Srirangapatna. Thousands of devotees are expected to participate in the event. Mandya District Administration has made all arrangements for the grand Mela.

The Mela is one of the traditional practices of Hindus and it began exactly at 7.20 am as “Guru” entered the “Tula Rashi.” The rituals were led by priest  Dr. Bhanuprakash Sharma, assisted by Narendrababu Sharma.

As part of the rituals, special pujas and homas were offered to Goddess Cauvery near Sopanakatte at Srirangapatna. The celestial transit of planet Jupiter from zodiac sign Virgo to Libra is said to be the Maha Pushkara period.  

Today is an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar, especially for people in South Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It is also a rare one for the Cauvery as this day only comes once in 12 years. The rituals are held to pray for good rains and crops as the region survives on agriculture. The festival of goes on 12 days and it is believed to be a 1,000-year-old tradition.

At the place where the rituals are held in Srirangapatna, temporary changing rooms have been constructed for devotees. Pourakarmikas, expert divers and fire personnel have been deputed as a precautionary measure as the water level has risen in the river.

The holy Cauvery ‘Theertha’ from Brahmakundike at Talacauvery in Kodagu district has been brought and it was installed at the puja venue. Mass feeding by various organisations has been organised.