Udupi:The traditional Deepotsava festival is witnessing a heartfelt revival through the initiative Karthika Deepa, launched about four years ago by two local youths. This year, the movement is being led by conservationist and vaastu consultant Tejaswi S Acharya, who aims to illuminate temples struggling to sustain their age-old rituals.
Lighting hope in struggling temples
“With an estimated 1,600 temples in the region, only about 20% are classified as A-grade, while many others lack the resources to celebrate even essential festivals,” Acharya said. Under the Udupi Darshan banner, the initiative plans to donate sets of 1,008 mud diyas, 2,000 cotton wicks, and five litres of til (sesame) oil to at least 50 temples this year.
“Our goal is not just to light lamps, but to spark hope in communities,” Acharya added. The Karthika month begins on October 22, marking the start of preparations. Each donation set costs Rs 4,000, with diyas sourced from local kumbaras (potters) and cotton wicks hand-rolled by women artisans—a move that supports both livelihood and heritage.
Reviving Deepotsava traditions
Over the past four years, Karthika Deepa has reached around 230 temples, helping bring back Deepotsava celebrations that had stopped due to financial constraints. The initiative offers donors the option to choose the temple they wish to support.
“We have compiled a list of temples in need of assistance. In Udupi alone, several small temples struggle to continue traditional observances, and Barkur itself has around 300 such temples,” Acharya said.
Bringing community and faith together
For devotees unable to attend the festival in person, organisers ensure prasad delivery, maintaining their connection to tradition. “Once we demonstrate that Deepotsava can thrive with small contributions, we hope local communities will continue the practice in the years ahead,” Acharya explained.
The initiative not only preserves the festival’s spiritual significance but also promotes local craftsmanship and community collaboration. Each diya set reflects the joint effort of artisans, devotees, and volunteers who believe in keeping heritage alive.
A movement beyond light
By combining faith, craftsmanship, and community support, Karthika Deepa has become more than a festival—it is a movement towards preserving cultural heritage and empowering local artisans. Acharya said the aim is to ensure the spirit of Deepotsava continues to shine brightly for generations to come.