Preparations are in full swing in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, ahead of the Aadi Perukku festival to be celebrated on August 3. But the Cauvery River is a critical water source for the festival, which has been falling in water levels and is one of the main reasons for the festival, which is expected to be celebrated with great fanfare this month.
The Pushkara tank has started filling for the festival, but it is becoming more difficult to fill due to the lack of water in the river.
Low Monsoon Rainfall Impacts River Flow
The lower water level is largely attributed to the low monsoon rains in the Cauvery catchment areas. The reduced inflow has greatly affected the discharge of the river, making it difficult to maintain sufficient water levels for festival activities.
The situation has been worrying to devotees and residents, since Aadi Perukku is usually celebrated by offering prayers on the banks of the Cauvery and thanking the river for the life-giving waters.
Preparations Continue
Even with the low water levels, authorities are ready to make sure all the preparations are done to ensure the festival is successful. We are working to fill the Pushkara tank so that all the devotees can be part of the religious rituals during the festival.
Local officials are closely watching the water situation and planning for the huge number of pilgrims that are going to visit Mayiladuthurai.
An Important Cultural Dimension of Aadi Perukku
Aadi Perukku is one of the most important river festivals in Tamil Nadu and a Tamil day festival for the Tamil month of Aadi. It honors the water bodies such as the Cauvery River and is the time of monsoon-fed river flows that support agriculture and livelihoods.
Proceeding to the river, devotees offer prayers, flowers, fruits and traditional food items to the river for prosperity, good harvests and good health.
Water Availability Under Close Watch
Today’s situation has once more shown that the festival is dependent on the river flows. Water availability is going to be monitored as the festival approaches, officials said.
