Udupi: Thousands witness conclusion of Janmashtami with ‘Vitlapindi’ festivities

Team Udayavani, Aug 21, 2022, 8:29 AM IST

Udupi: With the lifting of Coivd 19 restrictions, this year the grand celebrations of Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Leelothsava (Vitlapindi) were held at Sri Krishna Matha with religious fervor and gaiety. The two-day festivities concluded on Saturday, August 20.

A large crowd of devotees had arrived in Udupi to partake in the Vitlapindi celebrations that remind the Lord Sri Krishna’s childhood days. The celebrations this year were special as the festivities were being held after a gap of two years due to the Covid19 pandemic.

Special puja was held and a clay idol of Lord Sri Krishna was taken in the procession of the golden chariot which began at around 3.15 pm.

The procession was led by Sri Vidyasagara Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Krishnapura Matha, who was accompanied by Sri Vidyavallabha Theertha Swamiji of Sri Kaniyur Matha.

The rhythmic sounds of Chande, soothing bhajans, beautiful tableaux, and the traditional Huli Vesha performance accompanied the procession.

Thereafter, the Mosaru Kudike rituals were held with a troupe of Gollas breaking the earthen pots filled with milk curds, and colours that were installed around Car Street.

The number of devotees was so large that it took half an hour to enter Car Street and almost half an hour to get out.  Some among the young devotees were seen clicking photography and video of the celebrations capturing the memorable moments.

Bhjanashala of the temple served mid-day meals and Anna Prasadam from 10 am till 3 pm.