Bengaluru/ Mandya: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will inaugurate Cauvery Aarti to be performed for six days from Oct. 11 to Oct. 16 as part of Srirangapatna Dasara at KRS, said Mandya District and Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, here yesterday.

Presiding over the meeting to discuss Cauvery Aarti at Vikas Soudha in Bengaluru, Cheluvarayaswamy instructed officials to ensure the event be organised traditionally without any issues.

He also advised the officials to depute the same officials and staff, who were a part of last year’s event, this year as well.

“Cauvery Aarti was organised for the first time last year. Such traditional events must continue. Despite facing severe drought and water sharing dispute with Tamil Nadu, the State Government has decided to continue with Cauvery Aarti to uphold the State’ culture and tradition,” the Minister said.

The Minister also instructed the officials to ensure all necessary arrangements were in place for the event including arrangement of free buses, construction of roads, publicity, appointment of priests, installation of LED screens, stage, arrangement for sound and light among others.

KPTCL Managing Director Ramprasad Manohar, who was in-charge of Cauvery Aarti last year was instructed to co-ordinate with Mandya DC in organising the six-day event.

The meeting also discussed construction of Goddess Cauvery statue, rituals, boarding and lodging facilities for Varanasi priests among others. The event features cultural programmes, musical and comedy events.

Srirangapatna MLA Ramesh Bandi Siddegowda, Department of Religious Endowment Commissioner B. Sharath, Department of Kannada and Culture Secretary N. Manjushree, Mandya DC Dr. Kumara and ZP CEO Nandini were present.