Pics: Nithin Pereira, Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network- Udupi (NP)
Udupi, Sep 15: Udupi, the temple town steeped in tradition, witnessed a grand spectacle on Monday as thousands of devotees gathered for the Vittal Pindi Mahotsava, the crowning event of the annual Sri Krishna Leelotsava. The vibrant celebration, rich in devotional and cultural fervour, marked the conclusion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami festivities.
Midnight Arghya ritual heralds the celebration
The spiritual observances began at 12:11 am with the Arghya Pradana ritual, marking the exact birth moment of Lord Krishna, as per the solar calendar.
The Paryaya Puttige Matha seer offered the traditional arghya (water oblation) to Lord Krishna, followed by a ritual offering to the moon before the sacred Tulasi platform. Thousands of devotees participated in the ceremony, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere that set the tone for the day’s vibrant festivities.
Golden chariot procession and Gopala play recreate Krishna’s Leelas
As day broke, a clay idol of Lord Krishna was ceremoniously installed on a golden chariot and led through Udupi’s famed Car Street (Rathabeedi). The procession was formally flagged off by Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Puttige Matha, accompanied by various traditional performances.
Young men dressed as gopalas (cowherds) thrilled the crowd by breaking earthen pots filled with curd, a dramatic recreation of Krishna’s childhood pranks. The energetic Kadagolu Krishna procession, featuring Krishna idols balanced atop sticks, added colour and charm to the event.
Folk arts, Tiger dances electrify Rathabeedi
Udupi's streets transformed into a carnival of culture and devotion. From folk dances and dramatic impersonations to pulsating tiger dance (hulivesha) performances, the Rathabeedi vibrated with rhythmic beats and joyous cheers.
A standout attraction was the daring act by the Alare troupe from Mumbai, who captivated the crowd by breaking pots suspended high above the ground with expert precision and agility—eliciting gasps and applause from devotees who had gathered since the early hours.
Mass feeding and spiritual immersion ceremony
The Vittal Pindi Mahotsava also featured Anna Santarpane (mass feeding), with devotees relishing the traditional sweet milk payasam, reinforcing the festival’s ethos of sharing and community harmony.
The celebrations culminated in the Jalastambhana—the symbolic immersion of the clay idol of Lord Krishna—marking the spiritual conclusion of Ashtami celebrations. The act represents the deity’s return to the divine realm, a poignant moment for devotees.
48-day Mandala Utsava adds devotional depth
This year’s celebrations were enriched by the ongoing 48-day-long Mandala Utsava, which added a deeper layer of spiritual significance and continuity to the grand observances. The combination of daily rituals, bhajans, and community participation elevated the festival’s devotional atmosphere.