Udupi: Festive Lakshadeepotsava begins at Sri Krishna Matha

Udupi: The grand Lakshadeepotsava celebrations commenced at Sri Krishna Matha on Wednesday, coinciding with Utthana Dwadashi. The day began with Tulasi Puja in the morning, followed by Ksheerabdi Puja and Teppotsava (float festival) in the evening, led by Paryaya Sri Puthige Matha pontiff Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji.

In the evening, Ksheerabdi Arghya was offered at the central pavilion of the Madhwa Sarovara, performed by Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji along with junior pontiff Sri Sushreendra Tirtha. Later, Swamiji marked the auspicious moment by placing lamps on cow-dung mounds arranged along Rathabeedi (Car Street).

The grand Teppotsava followed, with a specially crafted float in Parthasarathi style gliding across the waters. Thousands of lamps illuminated the Madhwa Sarovara and Rathabeedi, creating a mesmerizing sight. The Rathotsava procession carried the deities on a chariot after the Teppotsava.

This marks the first festival following the end of the Chaturmasya Vrata (four-month vow of penance). Over the next eight months, regular festivals dedicated to Sri Krishna Mukhyaprana Deity will continue.

During the Rathotsava, devotees from the Tulasi Kirtan team carried a Tulasi platform and performed devotional singing along Rathabeedi.

The month-long Paschimajagara Puja and the special dietary customs observed during the four-month Chaturmasya Vrata also concluded, with a return to regular food practices.

On Wednesday morning, following the Mahapuja, Swamiji performed the Tulasi Puja.

Lakshadeepotsava celebrations will continue daily until November 16. An Ekadashi vigil lecture by Sudhindra Acharya Hejamady marked the evening of Tuesday night.