Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Sep 13: Final preparations and decorations are in full swing for Sri Krishna Janma Leelotsava celebrations. Tourists have gathered in the city with their smart phones, admiring the traditional decorations of flowers and LED lights. As devotees enter Car Street of Sri Krishna Math, colourful flowers and fragrance welcomes them.
Flower vendors from other districts sit in two neat rows on either side of Car Street. Most of them come to Udupi from Hassan and Chikkamagaluru on all major festivals to sell flowers. While some are growers, the others purchase flowers in their native districts and sell them here.
Prasanna Kumar told daijiworld, "The preparation got underway on Sunday. Around 25 to 30 chefs are working in two separate sections. Over one lac laddoos of four varieties each - aralu, gundittu, yellu and kadle, and about 1.5 lac chakkulis have been prepared at the temple to be distributed to the devotees."
"After two days of grand Krishna Janmashtami celebrations, laddoos and chakkulis will be distributed to 30 schools associated with the Ashta Maths.
"Both Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Paryaya Pejawar Math, and Vishwaprasannateertha, junior swamiji, will participate in the ritual of Arghya Pradhana at night, on Wednesday September 15 and Thursday September 16. The cultural programmes, Bhajans, Pravachanas will be held throughout the day," he said.
"The major attraction at the Vittal Pindi festival will be the carrying of the clay idol of lord Krishna in the golden chariot on Car Street at 3 pm.
"As many as eight wooden Gopuras have been installed at different places at Car Street, below which the chariot will move. Earthen pots containing milk and milk products would be hung from these wooden Gopuras. Persons dressed as 'Golla' would try to break pots with sticks. This is popular as 'Mosaru Kudike'," he said.
"The actual celebration of Janmashtami will take place at midnight as Sri Krishna was believed to be born on a dark, stormy and windy night to end the rule and violence of his uncle, Kamsa.
"The offerings made to Lord Krishna include fruits, betel, chakkuli and butter, which arelLord Krishna's favorites. Dishes such as 'sweet seedai' and 'verkadalai Urundai' are prepared with great care. Most people observe a strict fast on this day and eat only after the midnight Puja," Prasanna Kumar said.
Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swami in his message stated, "This year, Krishna Janmashtami falls on the Bhadrapada month – the Bahula Paksha in the Hindu calendar. But in Udupi it is to be celebrated one month later. One should have devotion and work selflessly for God. One should work sincerely and honestly, whatever his profession. If anyone follows the principles of Sri Krishna, it could prevent violence and corruption in the nation."
District superintendent of police Sanjeev Patil said, "Based on last year's crowd in Udupi, more than 25000-30000 devotees are to be expected to visit Krishna Math. We are all set to provide security to Krishna math and the visitors. CCTVs and check posts have been installed in required places. Additional force will be provided."
The Rajangana auditorium has been shifted near the new parking area on a temporary basis, as construction work of new two-floor Madhwangana auditorium is under process. It is being built at a cost of Rs 3 crore. All cultural programmes will be performed here, on the same stage for the next two months."
Rangoli competitions, drawing competitions, tiger dance, Muddu Krishna fancy dress will be organised as part of the Ashtami.
Krishna Leelotsava will culminate on Thursday, September 14 at Vittal Pindi.