Vittal Pindi: ‘Costume man’ Ravi Katapady hopes to don a costume this year too

Team Udayavani, Jul 26, 2020, 3:52 PM IST

Udupi: Amid the Covid-19 gloom, ‘Costume-man’ Ravi Katapady has expressed his desire to don a costume this year too.

Ravi, a daily-wage labourer is one of the major attractions at the famed Vittal Pindi festivities held in Udupi annually. It all stated few years back when Ravi came across the story of a baby with a dysfunctional hand because of the medical negligence. As the baby’s parents could not afford her treatment Ravi offered to help by paying for the surgery through his costumed acts at the festival.

Since then Ravi has donned a costume each year and has contributed all of the funds raised, an approximate of Rs 50 lakh for underprivileged children in need of corrective surgery.

However this year round, chances of celebrating the Vittal Pindi festival is very slim owing to the restrictions imposed to contain spread of coronavirus. While Ravi himself acknowledges the fact, he told Udayavani that he would approach the authorities to seek permission to don a vesha for the pleasure of children.

“I am desiring to wear a Vesha for the happiness of children. But unlike the last years, I won’t be raising any funds this year as people are already suffering due to the pandemic,” he said.

Pointing out weddings are allowed with limited number of guests, Ravi said that he will approach the authorities seeking permission to don a vesha for a day.

Quizzed on whether he will not attract crowds Ravi said that he wont halt at anyplace which the team used to earlier for purpose of raising funds. “I will go around the temple town with a small member team without stopping at any place. I want to do this because people, especially children await to see my costume , Ravi told.

Ravi and his team have already decided on the costume for this year but refused to disclose it before-hand.

Meanwhile Vittal Pindi which is celebrated on occasion of Krishna Janmashtami will be held after Ganesh Chaturti. The Udupi Krishna Mutt is still closed for public darshan.