Low key Janmashtami celebrations in Udupi

Udupi/Mangaluru: Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts are celebrating Janmasthami today (September 10), however, in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic low key celebrations were observed in both the districts.

The rituals at Udupi Sri Krishna Math are being performed but the devotees are not being allowed in large numbers due to the COVID-19 crisis. Today morning the Paryaya Swamiji performed 1 lakh Tulasi Archana to Lord Krishna, on account of the Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Vitla Pindi festivals, which will be celebrated on September 10 and 11 this year.

Various cultural and religious programmes will be held in the Sri Krishna Math premises today and all the programmes will be streamed live on Adamaru math’s website and youtube channel.

The famous Vitla Pindi and Krishna Leelotsava, also known as ‘Mosaru Kudike Habba’ will be held on September 11 afternoon at the math. The Vitla Pindi celebrations will begin at 12 pm and will end by 2 pm.

Every year the devotees gathered in large numbers around the Car Street to witness the carnival filled with spiritual and religious zest, however this year public will not be allowed to witness the festival.

The word ‘Ashtami’ is synonymous with various kinds of delicacies. As the public won’t be allowed to enter the math, the Prasada will be distributed to the devotees near Car Street and at a counter near Rajangana. Expert chefs are on the job for a week to prepare these special items. Lord Krishna is fond of Unde and Chakkuli. Lakhs of Unde and Chakkuli are prepared for distributing the same to the devotees on the occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami.