Udupi Gears Up for Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Vitla Pindi Celebrations
Udupi: Udupi, a major centre of religious activity and home to Lord Sri Krishna, is gearing up for the grand celebrations of Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Vitla Pindi Mahotsava. The festivities will be held on September 4 and 5, with preparations underway at Sri Krishna Math and along Rathabeedi (Car Street).
The entire Car Street has been decorated to welcome thousands of devotees expected to arrive from across the country and abroad for the darshan of Lord Sri Krishna. Large poles have been erected for the traditional ‘Mosaru Kudike’ (Dahi Handi) festival, one of Vitla Pindi’s major attractions. Two pandals have been readied for distributing prasada to devotees, while a stage has been set up on the premises of Shiroor Math for a traditional Malla Yudda (wrestling) performance. The entrance gate opposite Sri Krishna Math has also been illuminated with decorative lights.
The Arghya Pradana ritual will be held at 12:12 a.m. in the early hours of September 5. The following morning will feature the Mahapuja, mass feeding, traditional Hulivesha (tiger dance) performances at Rajangana, and various competitions. The Vitla Pindi Sri Krishna Leelotsava will also be held along Rathabeedi.
At 3:30 p.m., a procession carrying the clay idol of Lord Sri Krishna will be taken out on a golden chariot. As part of the Vitla Pindi-Sri Krishna Leelotsava celebrations, invited wrestling experts will stage a traditional wrestling performance on the special platform set up along Rathabeedi. The concluding ceremony of Sri Krishna Janmashtami will be held on September 6, along with the distribution of prizes.
Preparations are also underway to distribute unde and chakkuli as prasada to devotees. Several cooks are preparing the traditional delicacies; around 1.5 lakh unde and chakkuli are being prepared this year.
Under the concept of ‘Sama Bhojana’ (equal dining), arrangements have been made for buffet-style meals at Rajangana, traditional seating arrangements in the dining hall, and table service for those who require it.
Unde and chakkuli are among the prasada items particularly enjoyed by Lord Sri Krishna and children. They will be distributed as prasada during the mass feeding programme held on the day following Janmashtami.
On September 4, Krishna Vesha competitions for children in different age groups will be conducted at Rajangana, Madhwa Mantapa, Annabrahma and other venues starting at 4 a.m.
Traditional Hulivesha and other colourful costumes unique to the coastal region will add further colour to the Janmashtami celebrations. Hundreds of Hulivesha teams have already begun rehearsals and are preparing to perform along Rathabeedi.
As part of the Vitla Pindi Sri Krishna Leelotsava, a total of 13 pairs of Gurjis (poles) have been installed for the traditional breaking of curd pots.
Sri Krishna Math and Paryaya Shiroor Math have installed seven pairs of Gurjis. Two wooden platforms have also been constructed for showering devotees with unde, chakkuli and bananas. One is located opposite Kanaka Gopura, while the other is situated at the spot where the chariot halts during the Rathotsava.
The remaining six pairs of Gurjis are associated with the Ananteshwara and Chandramouleshwara temples, and their installation is also being carried out by Sri Krishna Math.
Two chariot processions will be held during the Vitla Pindi celebrations. In one procession, the clay idol of Lord Sri Krishna, installed as part of the Janmashtami celebrations, will be taken out on a golden chariot. In the other, the idols of Lord Ananteshwara and Lord Chandramouleshwara will be placed on the Chandramandala chariot and taken in procession.
A total of 45 pots will be used, with three pots attached to each Gurji. The pots will contain curd, puffed rice, turmeric and other traditional items.
According to Dr Udayakumar Saralattaya, Diwan of Paryaya Shiroor Math, the Math’s craftsmen will lower the pots using a pulley system. The Gollas (traditional participants) will break the pots using bamboo poles. Dressed traditionally in face paint, turbans, yellow dhotis, blue vests, yellow ribbons, and straw headgear and accompanied by drums, the Gollas will dance around the pots before breaking them as part of the traditional celebration.