Udupi: Udupi, the temple town steeped in tradition, witnessed a grand spectacle on Monday as thousands of devotees thronged the streets for the Vittal Pindi Mahotsava, the crowning event of the annual Sri Krishna Leelotsava. The vibrant celebrations, steeped in devotion and cultural fervour, marked the spiritual conclusion of this year’s Sri Krishna Janmashtami festivities.
Midnight Arghya sets tone for celebrations
The rituals began at 12:11 am with the Arghya Pradana ceremony, marking the precise birth moment of Lord Krishna, as per the solar calendar. The Paryaya Puttige Matha seer performed the sacred arghya offering before Lord Krishna, followed by a ritual to the moon near the Tulasi platform. Thousands of devotees participated, creating a spiritually charged start to the day-long festivities.
Golden chariot and Krishna’s playful leelas
As dawn broke, a clay idol of Lord Krishna was installed on a golden chariot and taken in procession along Udupi’s famed Rathabeedi (Car Street). The procession, flagged off by Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Puttige Matha, was accompanied by traditional music and performances.
Adding to the devotional fervour, young men dressed as gopalas (cowherds) re-enacted Krishna’s childhood pranks by breaking earthen pots filled with curd, while the energetic Kadagolu Krishna procession showcased idols balanced atop sticks—delighting the crowds.
Folk art and Tiger dance light up Rathabeedi
The streets turned into a cultural carnival with folk dances, impersonations, and pulsating tiger dance (hulivesha) performances, captivating the thousands gathered.
The highlight was a thrilling act by the Alare troupe from Mumbai, who broke earthen pots suspended high above the ground with remarkable agility, drawing loud cheers and applause.
Mass feeding and symbolic immersion
In line with tradition, devotees were served Anna Santarpane (mass feeding), with the signature sweet milk payasam reinforcing the spirit of harmony and sharing.
The day’s events concluded with the Jalastambhana, the symbolic immersion of the clay Krishna idol—signifying the deity’s return to the divine realm and marking the close of the Ashtami festivities.
Mandala Utsava enriches celebrations
This year’s Vittal Pindi coincided with the 48-day Mandala Utsava, which continues to add spiritual depth through daily rituals, bhajans, and collective devotion, enhancing the festive atmosphere.