Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Sep 14: Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebration doesn't get better than this. With thousands in attendance, the two-day vibrant Krishna Leelotsava of Udupi Sri Krishna Math culminated with the grand Vittal Pindi on Thursday, September 14.
The word 'Vittal' is derived from the word ‘Vittala’ which is the childhood name of Lord Krishna. 'Pindi' has been derived from the word ‘Banda’ which means earthen pot containing milk, curds, butter and so on.
This year, Sri Krishna Leelotsava comprised of main events such as breaking of milk pots, signifying the childhood stories of Lord Krishna. Rituals were held at the premises of Sri Krishna Math with religious fervour and devotion. Devotees gathered in large numbers at Car Street to witness the religious events which were an amalgamation of devotion and entertainment.
Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Paryaya Pejawar Math and junior swamiji Sri Vishwaprasanna inaugurated 'Anna santharpana'.
In the afternoon, ‘Vittal Pindi’ was celebrated as a festival of Sri Krishna’s sports, fun and frolics. The idol of Krishna was taken round at the Car Street in a palanquin. The mud pots known as Mosaru Kudike containing turmeric and saffron water were kept suspended from the tops of wooden poles. People dressed as shepherds jumped and hit the pots with sticks and tried to break them.
The clay idol of Lord Krishna was taken in the golden chariot procession at the around Car Street after which it was immersed in the Madhwa lake.
The procession had colourful tabloids and tiger dance. The programme comprised of various cultural and folk performances like ‘Dollu Kunitha’ as well as film dance and so on. The tiger dance troupes added extra flavour to the attraction in the festival.
In an another procession, the clay idol of Lord Krishna was taken in the silver chariot around the Car Street along with Navarathna chariot after which it was immersed in the Madhwa lake.
Prior to this procession, Alare Govinda Human Pyramid group of Mumbai displayed their beautiful program of breaking the earthen pot near Rajanghana, Asta Math. ‘Vittal Pindi’, the famous Sri Krishna Leelotsava celebrations is held annually during Sri Krishnashtami at the famous Udupi Sri Krishna Temple. The highlight of Vittal Pindi is the colourful procession of the Utsava Murthi of the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple.
The tiger dance troupes and folk dancers performed at Rajangana on the occasion.
All the performances were held with the initiation of Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math, Udupi.
On the first day of the festival on Wednesday September 13, cultural programmes were conducted both inside and outside the Sri Krishna temple. Scores of devotees thronged the temple to see the reincarnated aspect of the deity.
Women’s Bhajan team rendered Bhajans in the Garbha Gudi of Krishna. Bhajans by men were in the pandal.
Kannada film star Shivaraj Kumar paid a visit to the temple to seek divine blessings. He later received blessings from Pejawar Swamiji.
Children were seen inside and outside the math in costumes depicting Lord Krishna. Some tourists were engrossed in clicking selfies with the children. Tiger dancers and others dances in various costumers were another attraction. Meals were served to thousands of devotees in the afternoon.