Pics: Justin D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP/HB)
Udupi, Sep 1: Udupi has always been known as the abode of Lord Krishna. The two-day Krishna Leelotsava which included Srikrishna Janmastami and Vittal Pindi, culminated in an environment charged with devotion and traditional touch in the temple town on Tuesday August 31. On Tuesday, the celebrations came to an end with Mosaru Kudike and pulling of the golden chariot on which the Lord's idol was seated.
The management of Srikrishna Math made all arrangements in tune with the coronavirus guidelines and requirements. Because of the rampant spread of covid19 last year, Janmastami had not been organized in the Math. This time the celebrations were made without too much of grandeur and duly sticking to religious requirements.
On Monday and Tuesday, devotees were allowed to have the darshan of the Lord till 12 pm. However, the community feast which used to be part of the celebrations did not happen this time. For the performers of music and songs, facility was provided in the Madhwa Mantap. Right from the afternoon hours, the entry of the public to car street was restricted. Additional police security was provided around the car street. Even though there were no arrangements for the people dressed as tigers or other characters as in the past, many artistes were seen presenting themselves in different roles and performing to entertain the people in the town. The district administration had given special permission to Ravi Katapady, who comes up with unique costumes every year and uses the money he collects for the treatment of terminally ill children, to present himself in such a character this time too.
The devotees, who had stayed away from visiting the Srikrishna Math in view of restrictions last year, came this time with renewed enthusiasm. People gathered at various spots to witness the clay idol of Lord Srikrishna which was seated in the golden chariot and taken in a procession.
The chariot began its journey, duly accompanied by musical instruments. The young people associated with the Math, who were dressed ass cowherds, broke the earthen pots filled with yogurt which were hung high above the platforms erected at various spots, to replay the Lord's childhood antics. After the procession moved around the car street, Paryaya Sri Ishapriya Swamiji performed the final Arathi before discharging the clay idol in Madhwa Sarovar.
Senior Swamii of Admaru Math, Sri Vishwapriya Theertha, Krishnapur Sri Vidyasagara Theertha, Palimaru senor Swamiji, Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha, Sri VidyavallabhaTheertha Swamiji of Kaniyoor Math and junior Swamiji of Palimaru Math Sri Vidyarajeshwara Theertha, took part in the celebrations.