‘Cauvery Arati Is Not Ostentation but Heritage’: Chaluvarayaswamy Defends Srirangapatna Dasara

Srirangapatna: Traditions and rituals cannot be abandoned even during drought conditions, Karnataka Agriculture Minister and Mandya district in-charge N. Chaluvarayaswamy said on Wednesday, defending the Cauvery Arati and Srirangapatna Dasara as symbols of the region’s cultural heritage.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 416th Srirangapatna Dasara cultural programmes at Sriranga Vedike on the premises of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. The minister inaugurated the event by winnowing ragi, symbolising the hope that farmers’ homes would prosper with abundant harvests.

Responding to criticism over worshipping the Cauvery, Chaluvarayaswamy said the river was central to the lives of people in the region.

“We are the children of Mother Cauvery. Our lives flourish because of her grace. The Cauvery Arati and Srirangapatna Dasara are not displays of ostentation but symbols of our culture and heritage,” he said.

The minister said the government was extending support to the celebrations and Cauvery Arati, which were conducted with prayers for the well-being of the people. He expressed hope that good rainfall, particularly in the Cauvery command area, would bring relief to farmers.

Srirangapatna Dasara traces its origins to 1610 and later became associated with Mysuru’s Dasara celebrations. Veteran actor and director V. Ravichandran inaugurated this year’s festivities. Dhananjaya, the elephant known for carrying the golden howdah during Mysuru’s Jamboo Savari, is also participating in the procession.

Recalling his association with Kannada cinema personalities, Chaluvarayaswamy spoke emotionally about actors Dr. Rajkumar, Ambareesh and Vishnuvardhan, expressing sadness over the loss of the latter two.

The minister felicitated achievers from various fields before watching the cultural performances.

The four-day Srirangapatna Dasara Mahotsava began on October 15 and will conclude on October 18.

MLAs Ramesh Bandisiddegowda and Darshan Puttannaiah, MLC Dinesh Gooligowda, V. Ravichandran, Mysugar Factory chairman C.D. Gangadhar, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kumar and other officials and dignitaries attended the event.