<p>Bengaluru: In a tribute to the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/cauvery-river">River Cauvery</a>, the Karnataka government is planning a grand religious ceremony at Bengaluru’s Sankey Tank along the lines of the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi. </p><p>Priests from the UP pilgrim city will be flown in for this special ceremony called Cauvery Aarti, which is set to take place on the evening of March 21. </p><p>This will be the first such initiative by the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), which began preparatory work at Sankey Tank on Sunday. </p><p>Over 10,000 people, including families of BWSSB employees, are expected to attend the event, which is being organised without a cap on expenditure.</p>.<p>Cauvery is the primary water source for approximately 70% of Bengalureans, supplying 2,225 million litres of water to the city daily. </p><p>Following a procession and puja — likely to be attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/d-k-shivakumar">D K Shivakumar</a> — the BWSSB will distribute water from Bhagamandala, the confluence of Cauvery and two other rivers, as ‘prasada’ to attendees. </p><p>The event will also feature a lighting display, laser show and live orchestra, among other attractions. </p><p>“This is going to be a historic event,” BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar told <em>DH.</em> </p><p>Sankey Tank was chosen because it is considered the birthplace of Vrishabhavathi, a tributary of the Cauvery. </p><p>“A temple dedicated to Shri Jala Gangamma Tayi stands near the lake. It was established by our forefathers to recognise the origin of Vrishabhavathi,” the official added, noting that the Cauvery Aarti will be held annually. </p><p>Sankey Tank is regarded as the cleanest lake in Bengaluru. Authorities had even conducted a special prayer when it was filled to the brim a few years ago. </p><p>However, there are debates over the true origin of Vrishabhavathi.</p><p>While some historians believe the river originates from the feet of the</p><p>Nandi statue at the Big Bull Temple in Basavanagudi, others suggest it begins at Sankey Tank. </p><p>The BWSSB initially considered Gaali Anjaneya Swamy as the venue but ruled it out due to its limited capacity and unclean water flowing in the nearby drain. </p><p>V Ramprasad, convener of the Friends of Lakes collective, welcomed the idea of celebrating rivers and lakes through rituals. </p><p>However, he urged the BWSSB to ensure that these water bodies remain clean. </p><p>“Almost all lakes in Bengaluru are contaminated with sewage. We hope these</p><p>spiritual events inspire authorities to prevent sewage from entering our lakes,” he said. </p>
<p>Bengaluru: In a tribute to the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/cauvery-river">River Cauvery</a>, the Karnataka government is planning a grand religious ceremony at Bengaluru’s Sankey Tank along the lines of the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi. </p><p>Priests from the UP pilgrim city will be flown in for this special ceremony called Cauvery Aarti, which is set to take place on the evening of March 21. </p><p>This will be the first such initiative by the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), which began preparatory work at Sankey Tank on Sunday. </p><p>Over 10,000 people, including families of BWSSB employees, are expected to attend the event, which is being organised without a cap on expenditure.</p>.<p>Cauvery is the primary water source for approximately 70% of Bengalureans, supplying 2,225 million litres of water to the city daily. </p><p>Following a procession and puja — likely to be attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/d-k-shivakumar">D K Shivakumar</a> — the BWSSB will distribute water from Bhagamandala, the confluence of Cauvery and two other rivers, as ‘prasada’ to attendees. </p><p>The event will also feature a lighting display, laser show and live orchestra, among other attractions. </p><p>“This is going to be a historic event,” BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar told <em>DH.</em> </p><p>Sankey Tank was chosen because it is considered the birthplace of Vrishabhavathi, a tributary of the Cauvery. </p><p>“A temple dedicated to Shri Jala Gangamma Tayi stands near the lake. It was established by our forefathers to recognise the origin of Vrishabhavathi,” the official added, noting that the Cauvery Aarti will be held annually. </p><p>Sankey Tank is regarded as the cleanest lake in Bengaluru. Authorities had even conducted a special prayer when it was filled to the brim a few years ago. </p><p>However, there are debates over the true origin of Vrishabhavathi.</p><p>While some historians believe the river originates from the feet of the</p><p>Nandi statue at the Big Bull Temple in Basavanagudi, others suggest it begins at Sankey Tank. </p><p>The BWSSB initially considered Gaali Anjaneya Swamy as the venue but ruled it out due to its limited capacity and unclean water flowing in the nearby drain. </p><p>V Ramprasad, convener of the Friends of Lakes collective, welcomed the idea of celebrating rivers and lakes through rituals. </p><p>However, he urged the BWSSB to ensure that these water bodies remain clean. </p><p>“Almost all lakes in Bengaluru are contaminated with sewage. We hope these</p><p>spiritual events inspire authorities to prevent sewage from entering our lakes,” he said. </p>