Udupi: Enthusiasm high as sea of devotees witness Vittal Pindi

Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SM/DV)

Udupi, Aug 29: Thousands of people on Thursday August 29 witnessed the procession of Sri Krishna Leelotsava or 'Vittal Pindi' festival at Car Street here to get ‘darshan’ of Lord Krishna who was adorned with ‘Vajra Kavacha Alankara’.

The procession of Paryaya Sode Math began at 3 pm from the entrance of Sri Krishna Math. People enthusiastically took part in ‘Krishna Leela’ or Mosaru Kudike by breaking the earthen pots which were filled with milk, curd, ghee and colors.

Lord Krishna’s idol made of clay was placed in a golden chariot and carried through the procession at Car Street amid much fanfare.

‘Vittal Pindi’ is celebrated on the day following Sri Krishna Janmashtami which is one of the finest, most attractive celebrations in the country. Thousands of devotees thronged Sri Krishna Math and avidly took part in the celebration. ‘Huli Vesha’, along with rhythm of Nasik Band beats and various types of tableaux enthralled the crowd.

The procession was led by Sri Vishwavallabha Tirtha Shripada Swamiji of Sode Math. Sweets and delicacies were distributed to the devotees.

Several earthen pots filled with colors, milk, curd and ghee were hung to wooden archs (Gopuras) in 15 places. During the procession, as the chariot reached each Gopura, a group of men called ‘Yadavas’ formed human pyramids and broke the pots amid loud cheering from the crowd. Interestingly, an areca tree was planted in front of Kanaka Gopura, which the men tried to climb in order to pluck the money bag and packets of eatables hung from the fronds. Chanting of mantras and Bhajans echoed throughout Car Street. Hundreds of devotees from across the district gathered to witness the celebrations.

‘Vittal Pindi’ procession culminated at the Temple, at the point where it had commenced. The idol of Sri Krishna was then removed from the golden chariot and taken to Madhwa Sarovar for immersion.

Hundreds of police personnel were deployed to provide security.

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