Pics: Niranjan M N
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Sept 5: The temple town of Udupi came alive in a vibrant celebration of devotion, tradition and festivity as thousands of devotees thronged Car Street on Saturday to witness the grand Sri Krishna Leelotsava – Vitla Pindi celebrations.
The festivities commenced at 3 pm, with the idol of Lord Krishna taken out in a grand procession on a golden chariot, accompanied by other deities. The procession was formally flagged off by Sri Vedavardhana Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Shiroor Math, amid traditional performances and an atmosphere charged with devotional fervour.
Adding to the excitement, young men dressed as gopalas (cowherds) delighted the gathering by breaking earthen pots filled with curd, recreating Lord Krishna’s playful childhood pastimes. The colourful Kadagolu Krishna procession, featuring Krishna idols mounted on decorated sticks, further enhanced the festive atmosphere.
The historic Rathabeedi was transformed into a vibrant carnival of culture and devotion. Folk dances, traditional performances, dramatic impersonations and energetic Hulivesha (tiger dance) performances kept the crowds entertained, while rhythmic beats and enthusiastic cheers echoed through the streets.
A large number of tiger dance troupes, various tableau groups and cartoon characters, along with performers dressed as Rakkasas, flooded the streets of Udupi and entertained the public. A tiger dance competition and wrestling competition were also held in Car Street.
The Vitla Pindi Mahotsava also featured Anna Santarpane (mass feeding), where devotees were served traditional sweet milk payasam, highlighting the festival’s spirit of sharing, community and togetherness. Beginning at 10 am, thousands of people received prasadam.
The celebrations concluded with Jalastambhana, the symbolic immersion of the clay idol of Lord Krishna. The ritual marked the spiritual culmination of the Sri Krishna Janmashtami festivities and symbolised the return of the deity to the divine realm, bringing the vibrant celebrations to a solemn and devotional close.