Udupi gears up for grand Janmashtami celebrations

Udupi: The temple town is abuzz with excitement as preparations are in full swing for the grand celebrations of Shri Krishna Janmashtami on Monday and Shri Krishna Leelotsava (Vita Pindi) on Tuesday. Under the guidance of Sri Sugunendra Thirtha Swamiji of the Paryaya Puthige Mutt, extensive arrangements are being made at the car street (Rathabeedi) to ensure a memorable festival.Traditional ‘Gopuras' (gurjis) for the ‘Mosaru Kudike' event are being constructed.
In preparation for the celebrations, the Krishna Mutt kitchen is bustling with activity, as nearly 25 cooks are working tirelessly from the past two days, said Mahithosh Acharya, from Paryaya Puthige Mutt.
Sources said that over three lakh ‘unde' (laddus) and 1.3 lakh chakkulis will be distributed to devotees. Thirteen wooden ‘gopuras' have been erected along the car street. Earthen pots filled with milk and milk products will be hung from these gopuras, ready for the much-anticipated pot-breaking event (mosaru kudike) by the gopalakas during Vitla Pindi.
The festivities will commence on Monday with the Janmashtami Dolotsava, Muddu Krishna competition, and various cultural events, including a 108-flute performance, Yakshagana, and other cultural events. The significant ritual of ‘Arghya Pradhana' will be performed at 12.08 am on Tuesday, a special Anna Prasada with ‘kshira payasam' will be served at noon, followed by Leelotsava, Rathotsava, and other Krishna Janmashtami-related folk and traditional events, including a tiger dance competition. The Sri Krishna Maasotsava of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Mutt is being held from Aug 1 to Sept 1.
Meanwhile, in memory of the late Lakshmivara Thirtha Swamiji of the Shirur Mutt, the Udupi Nagarika Seva Samithi will distribute 10,000 chakkuli prasada to devotees on the day of Vitla Pindi, said Nityananda Olakadu. Huli Vesha, a traditional tiger dance, is synonymous with Janmashtami in Udupi, and several teams are expected to participate in this year's competition. In addition, various artistes will don different characters to add to the festive atmosphere.
Ravi Katapady to visit schools
Renowned artiste Ravi Katapady, known for his fantasy characters during Krishna Janmashtami, plans to visit five schools this year. He said, "Many children have requested my visit to schools, so I have decided to visit five schools. This year, I will be portraying a popular character alongside fellow artiste Ashik Suvarna. We spent a month developing a prop. The funds raised by us will support three children in need," he said.
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