Trichy (TN), Aug 2 : Hundreds of farmers gathered at the bank of a Cauvery River today for a ritualistic prayer on the occasion of ''Aadiperukku''.

''Aadiperukku'' is an annual ritual peculiar to the Cauvery Delta -- the rice growing belt -- in Tamil Nadu, celebrating the rising of the river, which is expected on the 18th day of the solar month, Aadi corresponding to August 2 or August 3.

Women in large numbers take part in this festival, said to honour the bountiful river. They take a dip in the river, tie a holy thread on the neck and apply vermilion on the forehead of each other.

"Newly wed women change the yellow thread of their `mangal sutra'' on this day and pray for the well being of their spouse," said Radha Balasubramaniam, a devotee.

Earlier, women belonging to the family of farmers prayed to the river for its enduring flow so that they could raise three crops in a year. The day is also considered auspicious by farmers to sow paddy in the fields.

Newly-weds are also invited on the occasion by the bride''s parents.

"The festival is called ''Aadiperukku''. We are celebrating ''Aadiperukku'' in Srirangam for the well being of every one in the family," said Aadi Lakshmi, another devotee.

The festival is also a mark of tribute to the life-sustaining properties of water. It is celebrated with gaiety near water tanks, lakes, and river basins and is a forerunner of festivals in the state. (ANI)