Udupi: Vibrant Vitthala Leelotsava mesmerizes devotees

Team Udayavani, Aug 28, 2024, 10:04 AM IST

Images by Astro Mohan

Udupi: Udupi celebrated Sri Krishna Janmashtami with grandeur on Tuesday, with thousands of devotees gathering on Rathabeedi for the Vitthala Leelotsava in the afternoon.

The procession featured various participants in traditional attire, accompanied by the sounds of drums, cymbals, and other musical instruments. Hulivesha (tiger dance) performers danced energetically, adding to the festive spirit as the clay idol of Shri Krishna was paraded through the streets. The event attracted not only locals but also people from other districts, states, and even foreign visitors, filling Rathabeedi with a sea of devotees. All eight Ashta Mathas were crowded with worshippers.

Annaprasada from Morning

The day began with Paryaya Sri Puthige Matha’s Sri Sugunendra Theertha Sripada and Junior Yati Sri Sushreendra Theertha Sripada performing the Pallapuja, followed by the distribution of Annaprasada. The special meal included traditional dishes. Thousands of devotees partook in the Prasada served by the Swamiji.

Hulivesha Performance

Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Vitthala Leelotsava were celebrated with a special focus on Hulivesha and folk dance performances, continuing the tradition set by the late Sri Laxmivara Theertha Sripada of Sri Shirur Matha. In line with the wishes of the current Mathadhipathi Sri Vedavardhana Theertha Sripada, a grand Hulivesha dance took place in front of Sri Raghavendra Matha.

The performance was witnessed by prominent figures, including Paryaya Sri Sugunendra Theertha Sripad, Sri Vidyasagara Theertha Sripad of Sri Krishnapura Matha, Sri Vidyasha Theertha Sripad of Sri Bhandarakere Matha, along with other dignitaries such as Diwan of Sri Matha Udaykumar Saralathaya, MLA Yashpal Suvarna, and PRO Suresh Bhat.