Pics: Nithin Pereira
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)
Udupi, Sep 14: Udupi, revered as the city of Lord Krishna, is set to witness grand-scale celebrations as part of the Sri Krishna Janmashtami festivities.
As part of the ongoing Mandala Utsava, a range of cultural and religious programmes are being held, with September 14 marking Sri Krishna Janmashtami and September 15 observing Sri Krishna Leelotsava (Vitla Pindi). Preparations are in full swing.
The Sri Krishna Matha has been adorned with intricate floral decorations, setting a divine ambience for the day-long rituals and cultural events. On Sunday morning, the Paryaya Swamiji of Puttige Matha, Sri Sugunendra Teertha Swamiji, will perform the Mahapuja.
Later in the night, he will observe the sacred muhurta (auspicious moment) to prepare the traditional unde (laddus) as offerings. The Swamiji, along with devotees, will observe fasting and perform the Krishna Janmashtami vrata (vow). The laddus made in the morning will be offered to Lord Krishna during the evening rituals and Mahapuja.
From sunrise to sunset, the sacred chant ‘Sri Krishnaya Namaha’ will be recited 1,008 times in the Chandrasala, with participation from various devotional organisations. At 12:11 AM, during moonrise, the Krishnargya ritual will be conducted by the Swamiji, following which devotees will be permitted darshan of Lord Krishna.
Adding vibrancy to the spiritual celebrations, the city is abuzz with children dressed as Muddu Krishna (little Krishna). Traditional performances such as Huli Kunita (tiger dance) and other festive disguises have added to the colourful atmosphere.
Competitions for the best Muddu Krishna costumes are being held at both the Rajangana and Madhwa Mantapa of the Matha, while folk dance troupes dressed in vivid attire are captivating crowds across the city.
In accordance with tradition, during the Chaturmasya season, the main idol of the deity remains inside the sanctum. Instead, a clay idol (mrinmaya murti) of Lord Krishna is specially worshipped on Janmashtami.
On September 15 at 3 pm, this clay idol—alongside the festival idols from the Anantheshwara and Chandramouleshwara temples—will be taken out in a grand procession. The idol of Krishna will ride the Swarnaratha (golden chariot), while the others will be placed in the Navaratna Ratha.
The procession will pass through the traditional Rathabeedi (car street), where the popular Mosaru Kudike (breaking of curd pots) will take place, performed by the Matha’s own cowherds. During the procession, Swamiji will distribute chakuli and unde prasada to devotees.
The grand celebrations will conclude with the ritual jala stambhana (immersion) of the clay idol in the sacred Madhwa Sarovara.