Udupi: The temple town of Udupi is preparing for a vibrant two-day celebration of Sri Krishna Janmashtami on September 14 and 15, drawing thousands of devotees from across the region. The festival promises a mix of devotion, tradition, and cultural festivities, with preparations already in full swing.
Janmashtami observed as per solar calendar
Unlike most of India, which follows the lunar calendar (Chandramana), Udupi observes Janmashtami according to the solar calendar (Sauramana). As per the Sauramana system, the Arghya Pradhana (midnight offering to Lord Krishna) will take place on September 14, followed by Leelotsava (Vitlapindi) on September 15.
Preparations at Sri Krishna Math and Car Street
The festivities will be centred around Sri Krishna Math, where a special pooja, grand procession, and religious and cultural programmes are planned. Car Street, the hub of the celebrations, has been decorated with stalls, lighting, and festive décor. Thirteen wooden triangular structures have been erected around the area for the Gopalas to break the traditional curd-filled clay pots, located near Vyasaraja Math, Krishna Math, Kanakapura, the Eight Maths, and temples of Anantheshwar and Chandramaouleshwar.
Markets in Udupi, particularly Car Street, are bustling with activity, as flowers, fruits, and ‘moode’ leaves for preparing traditional kadubu are in high demand.
Spiritual and cultural highlights
The Maha Pooja of the Krishna idol will be conducted by Paryaya Puttige Math’s Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji, who has overseen elaborate arrangements for an inclusive and spiritually rich celebration. The Navaratna chariot procession will feature the Mrinmaya Moorthy of Lord Krishna, along with idols of Ananteshwara and Chandramouleshwar, culminating in the immersion of the idol in Madhwa Lake. Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji will personally distribute laddoos and chakkuli prasadam to devotees, with arrangements to serve Sri Krishna Prasadam to 50,000 devotees at Anna Brahma.
Cultural programmes across the city will include the Muddu Krishna fancy dress contest, tiger dance troupes, bhajans, Yakshagana, and dance performances at venues such as Rajangana, Geetha Mandira, and Puttige Math. Tiger dance groups will also traverse the streets, performing thematic tableaus and raising funds for charitable causes.
Spiritual message from Swamiji
In his message, Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji emphasised that Janmashtami should be observed as a spiritual vrat (vow) rather than merely a festival. “Our life is meant for self-realisation and self-sufficiency. This is Udupi’s biggest celebration, and I urge every devotee to participate wholeheartedly. As a birthday offering, we are presenting the Bhagavad Geetha written by devotees, as worshipping the Gita is equal to worshipping Lord Krishna,” he said.
Conclusion
With a blend of devotion, culture, and community participation, Udupi’s Janmashtami celebrations promise to be a grand spectacle, reaffirming the town’s status as a spiritual and cultural hub. The festival not only honours Lord Krishna’s birth but also fosters spiritual reflection and community bonding among devotees.