Udupi: Various traditional competitions announced for Sri Krishna Janmashtami Masotsava

Udupi: The Sri Krishna Janmashtami ‘Masotsava’ organized by Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha, will feature various traditional competitions at the Rajangana on the evening of August 27, starting at 4 PM.

This year, separate prizes will be awarded for the Hulivesha competition, folk competitions, and mythological dance competitions, said Sri Sugunendra Teertha Sripada of Paryaya Sri Puthige Matha.

Sri Sugunendra Teertha Sripada emphasized that encouraging at least one person to take up the vow of Koti Gita Lekhana Yajna is the greatest offering we can make to Lord Krishna during Janmashtami. He urged everyone to actively participate in all the events and competitions associated with the festival.

Several programs and competitions have already taken place. The cultural competitions on August 27 will include attractive prizes for the first time, he added.

Nagaraj Acharya, the Diwan of Sri Matha, announced the prizes for the competitions: Rs. 1.15 lakh or a TVS Tube Electrical Scooter for first place in the Hulivesha competition, Rs. 50,000 for second place, and Rs. 25,000 for third place.

For the folk competition, the first prize will be Rs. 25,000, the second Rs. 15,000, and the third Rs. 10,000. The first prize for the mythological dance competition will be Rs. 30,000, the second Rs. 20,000, and the third Rs. 10,000.

Special emphasis will be placed on traditional dance and costumes. Interested participants must register at the Swagata Karyalaya in Badagu Maalige by August 25.

The teams participating in the competitions can contact Sri Matha’s Keshava Acharya (9932287917) for rules, terms, and additional information.

Various programs will be held starting from August 22, including the inauguration of a handicraft fair. The Laddutsava will be inaugurated on August 23, and the Dolotsava on August 26, along with religious discourses.

Several prominent political figures, including Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, H.D. Kumaraswamy, and State Ministers Ramalinga Reddy and H.K. Patil, along with MLAs and MPs from both districts, are expected to attend the events.

Ramesh Bhat announced that the official programs will begin on August 17, with traditional games on Ratha Beedi on August 18.

From August 18, various religious programs will be conducted at Rajangana. V. Pasagi Vijayendra Acharya, Dr. Prajna Marpalli, Chakravarthy Sulibele, Dr. H.S. Prema, S.N. Sethuram, and Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa will participate in a discussion session, said Mahitosh Acharya.

Former MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat, Shri Math’s Ravindra Acharya, and Shripad Hegde were also present.