Udupi: The temple town of Udupi is gearing up for a grand Krishna Janmashtami celebration on Sunday, with Car Street already vibrant with festive preparations. The highlight of the event will be 13 beautifully crafted wooden gopuras, which have been erected along the street, creating a spiritual and colourful atmosphere for devotees.
Massive distribution of prasada
This year’s celebrations, led by the Paryaya Puthige Mutt, will see the large-scale distribution of prasada to devotees. Organisers have announced that nearly 1.5 lakh chakkulis and 3.5 lakh laddus will be distributed to the thousands of devotees expected to arrive in Udupi.
Monks from the mutt said the offering symbolises community sharing and devotion to Lord Krishna. Volunteers have been working round the clock to ensure smooth arrangements for crowd management and prasada distribution.
Leelothsava and Vitlapindi
The festive fervour will extend into Monday with the traditional Leelothsava, popularly known as Vitlapindi, scheduled to take place at 3 pm around Car Street. Vitlapindi, a re-enactment of Krishna’s playful childhood, is among the most awaited spectacles of Janmashtami in Udupi. Devotees participate in the event with much enthusiasm, reliving the divine episodes of Krishna’s leelas.
Mosaru Kudike on September 15
Adding to the festivities, the traditional Mosaru Kudike will be held on September 15. The event, which involves breaking pots of curd hung high above the ground, is symbolic of Krishna’s love for butter and curd. Youth groups across Udupi have been preparing for weeks to take part in this vibrant and energetic tradition.
Devotees expected in large numbers
With Udupi being one of the most prominent temple towns in Karnataka, thousands of devotees from across the state and beyond are expected to throng the town over the next three days. Local authorities and mutt volunteers have coordinated arrangements for security, traffic regulation, and amenities to ensure smooth celebrations.
Residents have decorated their homes and shops, while the mutt and Car Street have been adorned with lights and floral displays, enhancing the festive spirit.
Spiritual and cultural significance
The celebrations are not just a spiritual occasion but also a cultural spectacle, showcasing Udupi’s deep-rooted traditions. Krishna Janmashtami here blends religious devotion with artistic and community expressions, making it one of the most awaited annual events.
The grandeur of this year’s arrangements is expected to further strengthen Udupi’s reputation as a hub of spiritual and cultural festivities in coastal Karnataka.