Dry Cauvery disappoints devotees

It was a day of disappointment for the devotees, who thronged in large numbers to perform rituals to their forefathers on the bank of the Cauvery at Srirangam on the occasion of ‘Aadi Amavasai’ (new moon day) on Sunday.

There were days in July when the devotees were kept out of bounds from the Amma Mandapam bathing gate so as to safeguard them from the strong water current on the Cauvery. Usually, public perform rituals after taking a holy dip.

However, the situation was so different this year. Devotees were seen walking for at least a km in the Cauvery to find water flow to float the puja articles after performing special pujas to their ancestors. Many of them, who could not find water flow, dropped the puja items on the dry sand.

The specially set up water sprinkling facility by the Tiruchi Corporation was only a source of taking holy bath.

“This is the time the river is supposed have water to its maximum level. It is painful to see absolutely dry river. We are really disappointed. The State government should release sufficient water from the Mettur dam at least for Adi perukku festival,” said M. Selvaraj of Thiruvanaikoil after performing pujas to his ancestors at Amma Mandapam.

Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/dry-scenario/article19336610.ece