Udupi Gears Up for Shiruru Paryaya Mahotsava: City Illumination to be Inaugurated
Udupi: Preparations are in full swing for the Shri Shiruru Math Paryaya Mahotsava, with key events scheduled to mark the transition. The city illumination will be formally inaugurated on January 15, 2026, followed by the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Shri Parashurama Welcome Arch on January 16, announced Yashpal Suvarna, Paryaya Committee President and Udupi MLA, during a press conference held on Wednesday.
Mr. Suvarna stated that the Udupi City Municipality has allocated Rs 50 lakh for decorative lighting to enhance the festive atmosphere during the Paryaya Mahotsava. The majority of the illumination work is complete, and the inauguration ceremony is scheduled for 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 15, 2026, in front of the Canara Bank branch on Court Road. The event will be presided over by the President and office-bearers of the Paryaya Reception Committee.
In addition to the existing Geetacharya Welcome Arch constructed by the Puttige Math on the southern entrance of Udupi, a grand Shri Parashurama Welcome Arch will be erected at the National Highway Junction on the northern side of the city. This arch, dedicated to Bhagawan Shri Parashurama, the revered creator of Tulu Nadu, will be constructed under the guidance of the Shiruru Math Diwan and the auspices of the Paryaya Reception Committee. The foundation stone-laying ceremony is scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2026, at 9:00 am, incorporating traditional deity worship led by the Reception Committee President and office-bearers.
Mass Annadanam Arrangements Underway
A significant aspect of the Paryaya Mahotsava is the mass annadanam, or community feeding, planned for devotees. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, public annadanam will be organized from 7:00 pm to midnight at various locations throughout Udupi, including the Rajangana parking area, near the Nithyananda Mandir bus stand, the Board High School grounds (at three locations), and the Govinda Kalyana Mantapa for cultural troupe members. Organizers anticipate approximately one lakh people will participate in this initial offering. Furthermore, from January 17 to 22, special annadanam will be held daily, with an estimated four to five lakh devotees expected to partake in the blessed meal.
Grand Paryaya Shobha Yatra Anticipated
With the Paryaya falling on a weekend, organizers anticipate a large influx of devotees, estimating between two and three lakh attendees. The Paryaya procession, or Shobha Yatra, promises to be a grand and unique spectacle. The procession will showcase depictions of Shri Madhva, Shri Vadiraja Guruvaru, the lineage of Shiruru Math pontiffs, and various mythological tableaux. Cultural troupes from across India, along with Karnataka’s local folk, bhajana, and traditional art groups, will also participate.
The Shobha Yatra is scheduled to commence at approximately 2:00 am on Sunday, January 18, proceeding for around two hours through Kalpana Junction and reaching Ratha Beedi, adhering to tradition. Following the procession, religious rituals will be conducted at the Shri Krishna Math, culminating in the pontiff ascending the Sarvajna Peetha.
Durbar Sabha and Cultural Programs
The Durbar Sabha will be held on the newly constructed Rajangana stage, which will be adorned with floral decorations. Pontiffs from various Maths and eminent personalities from across the state are expected to attend. The Durbar Sabha will commence at 5:30 am and continue until approximately 9:00 am. During the event, Shri Shri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swamiji, who has undertaken Paryaya Diksha, along with other seers, will bestow the Shri Krishna Anugraha Award upon distinguished individuals and industrialists. Discourses by Vedic scholars will also be featured.
Union and State Ministers, along with numerous other prominent figures, are expected to participate in the festivities. From January 18 onwards, evening religious and public programs will be held daily for ten days, during which additional dignitaries will be honored with the Shri Krishna Anugraha Award. The Shri Krishna Math, Rajangana, and surrounding Ratha Beedi areas will be lavishly decorated with flowers and electric lights.
Devotee Contributions Boost Annadanam Efforts
Demonstrating their devotion, devotees from Raichur have contributed approximately 250 quintals of rice, valued at around ₹12 lakh, towards the annadanam program.
Udupi city and the entire undivided Dakshina Kannada district are fully prepared for the Paryaya Mahotsava of Shri Shiruru Math and Shri Shri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swamiji. The grand Pura Pravesha has already taken place, marking a historic moment. Since January 10, the continuous flow of green offerings (Hasiru Hore Kanike) into the Math is expected to continue until January 17. The volume of items collected this year is anticipated to break records and will support annadanam for an estimated three to four lakh devotees. Thousands of devotees are participating daily, and cultural programs are being held continuously, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Paryaya Committee Secretary Mattar Ratnakar Hegde, Coordinator Mohan Bhatt, and other officials were present at the press conference, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the event.
