Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, July 23: Paryaya Sri Puthige Math will celebrate Sri Krishna Janmashtami with grandeur this year, with festivities spanning an unprecedented 48 days—from August 1 to September 17.
Addressing a press meet at Geetha Mandira on July 23, Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji, paryaya peetadhipathi of Puthige Math, announced that for the first time, the celebrations will extend to 48 days due to the occurrence of two Janmashtami dates—Chaandra Sri Krishna Janmashtami on August 15 and Saura Sri Krishna Janmashtami on September 14, followed by Sri Krishna Leelotsava on September 15.
Swamiji informed that a Koti Krishna Nama Japa Yajna will be held during this period. Devotees can offer birthday gifts to Lord Krishna such as Panchajanya, kolalu (flute), kadagolu, silver cradle, ududaara, and gejje (anklets). Events like Laddu Utsava, Sasyamela, Dhanya Mela, and other fairs will also be organised. A newly constructed auditorium will be inaugurated as part of the celebrations.
The Chaandra Janmashtami celebrations will be graced by Swami Sri Govindadev Giri Maharaj, treasurer of the Sri Rama Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust, Ayodhya, and vice president of the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust, Mathura. He will inaugurate the Geetotsava, including the mass Krishna Mantra Japa and Arghya Pradana.
The inauguration of the Sri Krishna Janmashtami Mandalotsava will take place on July 25 at 4.30 pm at Rajangana, in the divine presence of Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Puthige Math, Sri Vishwapriya Theertha Swamiji of Admaru Math, and junior pontiff Sri Sushreendra Theertha Swamiji of Puthige Math. Karnataka governor Thawar Chand Gehlot will inaugurate the event. Dignitaries attending include Udupi district in-charge minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, Kaup MLA Suresh Shetty Gurme, MAHE pro-chancellor and paryaya swagatha samithi president H S Ballal, industrialists Raghavendra Rao and Balekudru Ramachandra Upadhyaya, and Vishnusharan of Bhima Gold Private Limited, Bengaluru.
During the 48-day celebrations, various spiritual and cultural programs will be held, including Koti Krishna Mantra Japa, Gita Parayana, special pravachanas, chintana manthana, bhajans, vanuvaadana (flute recitals), music, dance, and other vibrant events. A 48-day Kolalu Mandalotsava will be conducted daily at Surya School from 5 pm to 7 pm, along with Bajana Mandalotsava and Spardha Mandalotsava.
Following the Mandalotsava, a grand Geetotsava will be held from November 8 to December 2, featuring Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana on November 30, Parthasarathi Suvarna Ratha Samarpanotsava on December 27, Paryaya Mangalotsava Prarambha from January 8, 2026, Saptotsava from January 9 to 15, and the Paryaya Mangalotsava Samaaropa Samaarambha on January 17.
Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji called upon devotees to participate in this historic celebration and seek the divine blessings of Lord Krishna.
Also present at the press meet were junior pontiff of Puthige Math Sri Sushreendra Theertha Swamiji, diwan of Puthige Math Nagraj Acharya, and Ramesh Bhat.