Udupi: Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations have begun in Udupi, with the temple town gearing up for the grand Vitlapindi festival on September 5. The celebrations at Sri Krishna Matha are drawing devotees and visitors as the city prepares for two days of religious programmes and the traditional festivities associated with Lord Krishna.

Sri Krishna Janmashtami is being observed in Udupi on September 4, while Vitlapindi, also known as Vittalapindi or Mosaru Kudike, will be held on Saturday, September 5. The celebrations are expected to attract large crowds to the temple town.

The festival preparations have been underway for several days, with religious programmes, cultural activities and arrangements for devotees being made around Sri Krishna Matha. Authorities have also strengthened security and traffic arrangements in anticipation of the large gathering.

Janmashtami celebrations at Sri Krishna Matha

Udupi’s Sri Krishna Matha is at the centre of the Janmashtami celebrations. The festival commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna and is marked by special prayers, devotional activities and cultural programmes.

The temple town takes on a festive appearance during the celebrations, with devotees visiting the Krishna Matha to offer prayers. Religious programmes are being organised as part of the celebrations under the guidance of the Paryaya Sri Shiroor Matha.

This year’s Janmashtami celebrations have particular significance for Udupi as the town traditionally witnesses a major influx of devotees during the festival. Shops and local establishments have also been preparing for increased demand for flowers, traditional food items and other festive requirements.

Vitlapindi festival on September 5

The major public attraction of the celebrations will be the Vitlapindi festival on September 5.

Vitlapindi, also known as Mosaru Kudike, is a traditional Udupi festival associated with the childhood activities of Lord Krishna. The event is held following Janmashtami and is known for its colourful procession and the breaking of pots filled with curd and other festive offerings.

The festival brings together devotees, cultural groups and members of the local community. Streets around the temple become the centre of activity as the celebrations move outside the temple premises.

The traditional festivities are expected to attract thousands of people to central Udupi. The event is therefore being accompanied by additional security and traffic arrangements to ensure that devotees can participate safely.

Elaborate security arrangements in Udupi

With large crowds expected on September 4 and 5, the Udupi district police have made elaborate arrangements for maintaining security and regulating traffic.

Police personnel have been deployed at important locations around the temple and along routes expected to witness heavy pedestrian and vehicle movement. Traffic management measures are also being implemented to minimise congestion during the celebrations.

The security arrangements are aimed at ensuring the smooth conduct of both Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Vitla Pindi festivities. Authorities are also keeping a close watch on crowd movement around the Sri Krishna Matha and other important areas of the city.

The measures are particularly important because the Vitlapindi procession traditionally brings large numbers of people onto the streets.

Festive demand rises across the city

The Janmashtami celebrations have also led to increased demand for several traditional items in Udupi.

According to a recent Udayavani report, demand has risen for flowers, mudes and kottes, which are closely associated with traditional festive preparations in the region. The increased demand reflects the wider preparations taking place among households and businesses ahead of Janmashtami.

Markets and shops in Udupi have been witnessing increased activity as devotees prepare for the celebrations. Traditional sweets and savouries are also an important part of the festive atmosphere, with local preparations adding to the character of the occasion.

Udupi prepares for large crowds

The combination of religious programmes on Janmashtami and the Vitlapindi festivities the following day is expected to bring a significant number of visitors to Udupi.

For devotees, the celebrations provide an opportunity to participate in the special rituals at Sri Krishna Matha and witness the traditional Vitlapindi procession. For visitors, the event also offers an opportunity to experience one of coastal Karnataka’s best-known Krishna festivals.

The administration and police are therefore focusing on crowd management, traffic regulation and security arrangements throughout the celebrations.

Tradition remains at the heart of the celebrations

While the celebrations attract large crowds and have developed into a major annual event for Udupi, the religious traditions surrounding Lord Krishna remain at the centre of the festivities.

The Janmashtami observance focuses on the birth of Lord Krishna, while Vitlapindi brings the celebrations into the streets through a traditional public festival. The combination gives Udupi’s Krishna festival its distinctive character.

The 2026 celebrations are taking place on September 4 and 5, with Vitlapindi scheduled for September 5.

As devotees gather in Udupi, the town is witnessing a blend of prayers, cultural activities, traditional food and public festivities. With security and traffic arrangements in place, authorities are preparing for the large crowds expected during the concluding Vitlapindi celebrations.

The festival is set to bring Udupi alive with devotion and tradition as devotees come together to celebrate Sri Krishna Janmashtami and the much-awaited Vitlapindi festival.