Cauvery Aarti at Bengaluru's Sankey Tank: Karnataka's Daily Grand Tribute Inspired by Ganga Aarti

Cauvery Aarti at Bengaluru's Sankey Tank: Karnataka's Daily Grand Tribute Inspired by Ganga Aarti (Image: Representative)

The Karnataka government is preparing to organise a grand religious ceremony named Cauvery Aarti at Bengaluru's Sankey Tank as a tribute to the River Cauvery. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, this special event aims to honour the sacred river that is considered the lifeline of the state.

Scheduled to take place on the evening of March 21, the event will feature priests from the pilgrimage city of Uttar Pradesh, brought in specifically for this occasion. The event is expected to be a magnificent affair, with over 10,000 attendees, including families of the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) employees. Notably, there is no fixed budget for this grand event.

Significance of River Cauvery

The River Cauvery serves as the primary water source for nearly 70% of Bengaluru's population, supplying about 2,225 million litres of water daily. To mark the reverence towards this essential resource, the BWSSB has planned a procession and a puja, which may see the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

Water from Bhagamandala, the confluence of the Cauvery with two other rivers, will be distributed as 'prasada' to the devotees attending the event. Alongside the religious rituals, there will be a laser show, a lighting display, and a live orchestra, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Why Sankey Tank?

Sankey Tank, often regarded as the cleanest lake in Bengaluru, was chosen for this grand event. The lake has been a site of significant rituals in the past, such as a special prayer held when it was filled to capacity a few years ago. Although some debates exist about the true origin of the Vrishabhavathi River—whether it starts from the Nandi statue at the Big Bull Temple in Basavanagudi or Sankey Tank—its significance remains undiminished.

Initially, the BWSSB considered holding the event at the Gaali Anjaneya Swamy temple. However, due to the limited capacity and the presence of unclean water in the nearby drain, Sankey Tank was selected as the ideal venue.

The Cauvery Aarti not only aims to pay homage to the sacred river but also seeks to raise awareness about preserving this vital resource. The event symbolises the cultural and spiritual significance of the River Cauvery while fostering a sense of unity and reverence among the devotees.

With its blend of traditional rituals and modern displays, the Cauvery Aarti promises to become a unique and memorable celebration for the people of Karnataka.