Sri Krishna Matha: Glorious Krishna Janmashtami Celebrations in Udupi

Udupi: The city of Udupi, known as the land of Lord Krishna, is in full swing for celebrating Krishna Janmashtami. The festive atmosphere has taken over the entire city, especially around the Sri Krishna Matha. The grand celebrations commenced on the morning of August 26 and will continue with various religious and cultural activities until the Vitlapindi festival on August 27.

The Sri Krishna Matha, under the leadership of Paryaya Sri Puthige Matha, has made elaborate arrangements for the festivities. Various religious rituals, including special decorations, offerings, and the distribution of prasad, have been organized. The preparation of laddus and chaklis, which will be distributed as prasad, is in full swing, with over 40 cooks involved in the process. Around 1 lakh laddus and 1 lakh chaklis are being prepared and packed for distribution.

The streets of Udupi, especially the Rathabeedi (Car Street), have come alive with numerous shops and stalls selling a variety of items. The main roads of Udupi city and surrounding areas like Manipal, Brahmavara, Kaup, Kota, and Saligrama are bustling with activity, especially with the sale of flowers, which are in high demand for the celebrations.

Vendors from outside the district have also set up their stalls, and the local people are actively purchasing flowers and other items. The number of devotees and tourists visiting Sri Krishna Matha has also significantly increased.

As part of the celebrations, various competitions are being held. On the morning of August 25, a Kabaddi competition took place in the Matha’s premises. Additionally, many participants dressed in various costumes have already started roaming around the Matha and the city. A Rangoli competition was also held in the Rajangana hall. On the morning of August 26, the Muddakrushna competition will take place.

Krishna Janmashtami is also synonymous with the vibrant and colorful Huli Vesha (Tiger Dance). This year, a team of women performers will be a special attraction, with girls, young women, and adult women from the Darpana Dance Academy performing the Huli Vesha for the second consecutive year.

The famous Huli Vesha teams from areas like Marpalli, Alevoor, Nittur, Korangrapadi, Kadiyali, Kadabetthu, Malpe, and Manipal HUDCO Colony will be performing, and special stages have been set up in various parts of the city, including Rathabeedi, for these performances.

One of the special highlights of this year’s celebrations is the Dolotsava, where devotees can participate in swinging the cradle holding the idol of Lord Krishna in the Vasantha Mantapa. The Ashtami day will include fasting rituals, and arrangements have been made for the midnight Arghya Pradana (offering ceremony) both inside and outside the temple. The Vitlapindi festival, along with a grand feast, will mark the conclusion of the celebrations on August 27.