Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Sep 13: The temple town of Udupi is gearing up for the grand celebration of Sri Krishna Janmashtami on September 14 and 15, with devotion, spiritual fervour and tradition drawing thousands of devotees ahead of the festival.
Unlike the rest of the country, which follows the lunar calendar (Chandramana), Janmashtami in Udupi is observed according to the solar calendar (Sauramana). As per the Sauramana system, Arghya Pradhana (midnight offering to Lord Krishna) will take place on September 14, followed by Leelotsava (Vitlapindi) on September 15.
A special pooja, a grand procession, and various religious and cultural programmes will be held at Sri Krishna Math, with preparations in full swing across the district. The Car Street area has been transformed for the festival, with arrangements for the chariot procession of the Krishna idol and related celebrations.
Markets in and around Udupi, especially in Car Street, have seen brisk business in the lead-up to the festival. Flowers, fruits and ‘moode’ leaves used in preparing kadubu are in high demand. Adding to the festive atmosphere, numerous cultural events will be hosted across Udupi, offering a vibrant blend of devotion, art and entertainment.
The Maha Pooja of the Krishna idol will be conducted by Paryaya Puttige Math’s Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji. Under his guidance, the Krishna Math has made extensive arrangements for an inclusive and spiritually rich celebration. The entire temple premises and Car Street are already decked up with stalls, electric lighting, and festive décor.
Thirteen wooden triangular structures have been erected around Car Street for the Gopalas of Sri Krishna Math to break the traditional curd-filled clay pots. These are located near Vyasaraja Math, Krishna Math, Kanakapura, the Eight Maths, and the temples of Anantheshwar and Chandramaouleshwar.
Elaborate preparations have been made to serve Sri Krishna Prasadam to 50,000 devotees at Anna Brahma. At 3 PM, the Mrinmaya Moorthy of Lord Krishna, alongside the idols of Ananteshwara and Chandramouleshwar, will be placed on the Navaratna chariot for a majestic procession. The Paryaya Swamiji will personally distribute laddoos and chakkuli prasadam to the devotees. Post-procession, the Mrinmaya idol will be immersed in Madhwa Lake as per tradition.
The two-day celebration will also feature a series of competitions and performances, including the popular Muddu Krishna fancy dress contest, tiger dance troupes, and other cultural events at Rajangana, Geetha Mandira, Puttige Math, and various venues around the city. Tiger dance groups will move through the streets, entertaining the public and collecting funds for charitable causes through thematic tableaus.
Bhajans, dance performances, Yakshagana, and other cultural showcases will be held at Rajangana, culminating with a religious address by Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji in the evening.
In his message to devotees, Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji said: “Sri Krishna Janmashtami is not just a celebration, but an opportunity for spiritual self-reinforcement. Our life itself is meant for self-realisation and self-sufficiency, and Janmashtami should be observed as a deekshe or vrat, rather than just a festival. This is Udupi’s biggest celebration, and I urge every devotee to take part wholeheartedly. As a birthday offering, we are presenting the ‘Bhagavad Geetha’—the Bhagavad Gita written by devotees, as worshipping the Gita is equal to worshipping Lord Krishna.”