Photos by: Justin D’Silva

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Jan 9: The temple town is gearing up to celebrate the 251th Paryaya Mahotsava on January 17 and 18. The district administration, Krishnapura Matha Paryaya Mahotsava Committee, City Municipality are on their final countdown and the preparations have geared up. The roads have also been repaired and decorated.

The 2022 Krishnapura Paryaya will be held even amid the Covid scare in abidance of the rules laid down by the state government by minimizing the grandeur, according to the committee. Raghupathi Bhat, MLA, Udupi, giving out the details of the two day celebrations said, "Sri Sri Vidyasagara Theertha Swamiji had already decided that the Paryaya Mahotsava will be held conforming to the government rules and regulations. After discussing with the district administration, police department, and the organizing committee we have made many changes in the manner of celebrations. We will follow all the guidelines of the government", he said.

"Purapravesha of the ascending pontiff Sri Sri Vidyasagara Theertha Swamiji will be held on Monday, January 10 at 3 PM at Jodukatte. Due to the Covid norms and in order to reduce the devotee footfall, there will not be any tableau groups. The seer will be arriving in an open jeep with a limited number of guests. A public felicitation program will also be held at Car Street at 6 PM. Felicitations will be accepted only from the organizing committee and city municipality on the occasion. Swamiji has requested the devotees to refrain from offering felicitations citing Covid threat", Bhat said.

Explaining the Paryaya procession and celebrations on January 17 and 18, Raghupathi Bhat said, "All our programs are scheduled keeping in mind the night curfew. The cultural programs will be completed within 9 PM on Jan 17. The Paryaya procession will begin in the early hours at 2 AM on January 18. As it is a tradition it has to be followed. We have requested the chief minister to give us permission for the conducting the procession. We request people to witness the celebrations via live streaming. The procession will be organized with minimum number of people. Chief minister will take a decision on this after discussing with the expert committee. Limited passes will be issued for the Paryaya Darbar ", he said.

In his video message to the devotees, ascending seer Sri Sri Vidyasagara Theertha Swamiji requested the devotees to follow the government rules and regulations and minimize direct participation during Paryaya celebrations. "We have to keep in mind the increasing cases of Omicron variant. If we are negligent, we will have to face the consequences in future. So I am appealing to the disciples, well-wishers and devotees of the math to follow promptly the Covid guidelines set by the government", he said.

Committee’s honorary president Suryanarayana Upadhyaya, secretary Vishnu Prasad Padigar, treasurer Ravi Prakash Rao, PRO U K Raghavendra Rao and others were present on the occasion.