Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Dec 31: A massive crowd of devotees gathered at Vadabhandeshwara Beach in Malpe on Monday to take a holy dip in the sea on the occasion of Ellamavasye. Sources estimate the number of participants to have exceeded 50,000.

The temple doors opened at 3 am, allowing devotees to bathe in the sea and seek the blessings of Lord Balarama. Many performed the Tilatarpana ritual to honor their ancestors. The bathing area stretched for 1.5 km, from the sea walk to the main beach. Members of the Vadabhandeshwara Bhakta Vrinda assisted devotees in having a smooth darshan of Lord Balarama.

Coast Guard personnel and Ocean Adventure boats were on standby to handle any emergencies from the early hours of Monday. Lifeguards closely monitored the devotees' activities for safety. A team of over 40 police officers, led by Malpe police station officer Praveen R, was deployed to manage traffic and maintain law and order. Additional security personnel were stationed near washroom areas and around the temple, where crowds were particularly dense. A holiday was also declared for the Malpe fishing port.

The occasion of Ellamavasye saw devotees performing holy dips in rivers and seas across the twin districts. Beaches from Suratkal to Malpe witnessed crowds of people observing this sacred tradition.