Bengaluru’s First-Ever Cauvery Aarti At Sankey Tank On March 21; Prasada from Bhagamandala to Be Distributed

Bengaluru is set to witness a grand religious spectacle as the Karnataka government plans to organise the first-ever Cauvery Aarti at Sankey Tank on March 21 at 6 pm. The event aims to pay tribute to the Cauvery River, the city's primary water source, and is being spearheaded by the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).

As part of the ceremony, priests from Varanasi will be flown in to perform the rituals, bringing a touch of tradition and authenticity to the event. According to reports, the gathering is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees, including families of BWSSB employees.

The event will feature a series of cultural and religious elements, such as a grand procession, a puja, an elaborate lighting display, a laser show, and a live orchestra. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar are also likely to attend the event, further adding to its significance.

One of the key highlights of the evening will be the distribution of prasada-sacred water sourced from Bhagamandala, a revered pilgrimage site at the confluence of three rivers in Kodagu district.

Why Sankey Tank?

Sankey Tank was selected as the venue for the Cauvery Aarti due to its historical and religious significance. It is believed to be the birthplace of Vrishabhavathi, a tributary of the Cauvery. Additionally, a temple dedicated to Shri Jala Gangamma Tayi stands near the lake, adding to the sanctity of the location.

Initially, BWSSB had considered organizing the aarti at the Gaali Anjaneya Swamy Temple. However, due to space constraints and concerns over potential water pollution in the vicinity, the decision was made to host the event at Sankey Tank instead.

BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar described the initiative as "historic" and announced that the Cauvery Aarti would now be an annual event in Bengaluru, providing a platform for devotion, environmental awareness, and cultural celebration.

Legal Challenge to Cauvery Aarti

However, the event has faced legal hurdles. On Tuesday, a petition was filed before the Karnataka High Court seeking to halt the Cauvery Aarti scheduled for March 21. The Interlocutory Application (IA) was filed as part of a pending Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning lake encroachments in Bengaluru.

The IA, submitted by petitioner Geetha Misra, requested a ban on any construction activities within Sankey Tank or its buffer zone related to the aarti. It further urged the court to prevent government authorities, including BWSSB and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), from proceeding with the event at the current venue.

The High Court is expected to hear the IA in the coming days, with environmental concerns playing a crucial role in determining whether the event will proceed as planned.