Pics: Niranjan M N
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Nov 5: The traditional ‘Bale Muhurtha’, marking the formal commencement of preparations for the second Paryaya of Sri Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swamiji of Sode Shri Vadiraja Mutt, will be performed on November 29 at 7.45 am at the Mutt premises in Udupi.
Addressing a press meet, Sri Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swamiji said that the Bale Muhurtha is the first auspicious ritual in the series of preliminary preparations for the upcoming Sri Krishna Pooja Paryaya, during which he will assume the responsibility of worshipping Lord Krishna at Udupi Sri Krishna Matha.
The Bale Muhurtha holds special religious and traditional significance in the Paryaya system established by Sri Vadiraja Theertha Swamiji, the revered saint of Sode Mutt, who gave a distinctive structure to the Paryaya tradition of Udupi's Ashta Maths.
The rituals will commence at 6.30 am with prayers at the Pattada Devaru Sannidhi of Sode Mutt. Special prayers will subsequently be offered at the Sri Chandreshwara, Sri Anantheshwara and Sri Krishna Mukhyaprana temples. At the auspicious Vrischika Lagna at 7.45 am, banana, sugarcane and tulsi saplings will be planted in the garden premises of Sode Mutt, formally marking the commencement of the Paryaya preparations.
Three-day National-Level Banana Fair ‘Kadali Vishwadarshana’
Following the Bale Muhurtha, Sode Mutt will organise a three-day National-Level Banana Fair, ‘Kadali Vishwadarshana’, from November 29 to December 1, highlighting the agricultural, nutritional, commercial, cultural and environmental importance of the banana plant.
The fair aims to bring together progressive banana farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, artisans and experts from across the country, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, conservation of indigenous banana varieties and promotion of value-added products.
More than 100 varieties of banana bunches and over 150 varieties of banana saplings will be displayed, with saplings also available for sale. Visitors can explore and taste different banana varieties, while progressive farmers and conservationists working to preserve over 500 varieties will share their experiences and expertise.
More than 20 stalls will showcase banana-based value-added products, including banana flour-based food products, traditional dried banana (Sukeli), banana fibre handicrafts, stationery and textile products. Innovative products from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and the Malabar region will also be featured. A special team of farmers and entrepreneurs from Jalgaon, popularly known as India's banana capital, will participate in the exhibition.
Live demonstrations of banana fibre handicraft-making by skilled artisans from Karnataka will be another attraction. Hangyo will launch a new variety of banana-based ice cream during the fair. Live cooking demonstrations will introduce visitors to a variety of culinary preparations using different parts of the banana plant.
The National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), Tiruchirappalli, will provide scientific guidance and showcase developments in banana research, while the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) will introduce technologies related to banana processing and value addition. Information on government schemes and facilities available to farmers will also be provided.
An eco-friendly banana garden experience, a specially designed banana-stem pavilion, a themed stage and an attractive entrance structure will add to the appeal of the exhibition. Information panels explaining the differences between banana varieties, their unique characteristics, uses and importance will also be displayed.
As part of Kadali Vishwadarshana, a three-day special lecture series will be held daily from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm, focusing on banana cultivation, conservation, nutrition, processing and commercial opportunities. Cultural programmes featuring personalities from theatre, folk arts and other fields will also be held during the three days.
As part of the Bale Muhurtha celebrations and Kadali Vishwadarshana, a drawing and painting competition will be organised for students from classes 1 to 10 on Sunday, November 22 at 9 am at the I.Y.C. Yakshagana Kalaranga Auditorium, Beedinagudde Road, Udupi.
Based on the theme of banana cultivation and its multifaceted importance, the competition will have three categories according to students' class levels. The best entries will be selected by an expert panel, and winners will be felicitated during the valedictory ceremony of Kadali Vishwadarshana on the evening of December 1.
Through the Bale Muhurtha and Kadali Vishwadarshana, Sode Mutt seeks to uphold the traditional significance of the Paryaya preparations while creating awareness about banana cultivation, conserving indigenous varieties, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices and promoting opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.
Rathnakumar, secretary Sode Vadiraj Mutt education trust; Padigar Sreenivas thantry, Diwan of Sode Vadiraj Mutt; Murali Kadekar were present on the occasion.