Udupi is all set for a grand Krishna Janmashtami celebration, with the traditional Vitla Pindi procession, Mallayuddha, and cultural events drawing from the surrounding market to the city.
Udupi: Krishna Janmashtami in Udupi is a lot more than a religious festival. It’s a celebration of Lord Krishna’s childhood, Nandagokula and centuries-old traditions. The Sri Krishna Matha and the surrounding places are festively decorated with a rainbow of colours, and devotees from various parts of the country come to the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna and witness the special events.
Krishna Janmashtami in Udupi has a long and unique history. The child Krishna idol associated with Madhvacharya, the legendary Kanakana Kindi, and the traditional Vitla Pindi festival have made this festival an integral part of Krishna festivals.
This year, Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on September 4, followed by the Vitla Pindi festival on September 5. Special pujas will be performed at Sri Krishna Matha from morning on Janmashtami. The major religious rituals will be at night, including Arghya to Lord Krishna, worship, and Mahapuja.
The Child Krishna Idol and Kanakana Kindi
At Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, a child Krishna idol is one of the main attractions for devotees. The idol, which shows Krishna holding a churning rod, is decorated with pearls, precious stones, gold, and silver ornaments on special occasions.
Devotees traditionally have darshan of Lord Krishna through the Kanakana Kindi, another unique feature of the temple.
According to tradition, Madhvacharya installed the Krishna idol at Udupi in the 13th century. A popular story says that this idol was found in a lump of gopichandana on a ship that Madhvacharya saved near the Vadabhandeshwara seashore. The idol was brought to Udupi and installed according to religious rituals.
Another well-known tradition is associated with the saint-poet Kanakadasa. According to the belief, when Kanakadasa visited Udupi in the 16th century, he was unable to enter the temple. He prayed to Lord Krishna from outside, and the idol is supposed to have turned towards the western side to give him darshan. The opening in the wall later became known as Kanakana Kindi.
September 5: Vitla Pindi Festival
The Vitla Pindi festival on September 5 will be one of the major highlights of the celebrations. During Leelotsava, a clay idol of Lord Krishna will be carried in a grand procession.
The idol will be carried in a golden chariot, drawing thousands of devotees. The procession will be accompanied by traditional celebrations and cultural programmes.
Mallayuddha, Krishna Costumes and Tiger Dance
Mallayuddha (or traditional wrestling) will be a big attraction in this year’s Vitla Pindi celebrations. The performance is associated with the traditional festivities depicting aspects of Krishna’s childhood and is expected to attract a lot of attention.
Cultural activities will also be organised at the Rajangana. Children will participate in Krishna costume competitions, while Tiger Dance and other traditional performances will add colour to the celebrations.
There will be lots of competitions for kids and local people, and we expect children to be involved and the atmosphere around the festival to be quite lively.
Special Prasada for Devotees
Prasada distribution will also be an important part of the Vitla Pindi celebrations. Annasantarpane will be arranged for devotees arriving from different places, along with the distribution of various traditional food items.
Around 1.5 lakh chaklis are prepared for distribution this year. And about 30,000 pieces each of five traditional laddus or sweets are expected to be distributed to devotees.
The city is expected to be full of thousands of devotees who will be coming together around Krishna Matha, and it will be very festive throughout the day.
Celebrations to end on September 6
The three-day Janmashtami celebrations will conclude on September 6 with Koti Tulasi Archana at Sri Krishna Matha. Tulasi leaves will be offered to Lord Krishna, and worship will be done.
The last ceremony of Krishna Janmashtami celebrations will also be held on the same day. Prizes will be given to winners of various competitions organised as part of the festivities.
Krishna Janmashtami in Udupi is unique because religious rituals and centuries-old local traditions come together as one celebration. From the darshan of the child Krishna idol and Kanakana Kindi to the Vitla Pindi procession, Mallayuddha, Krishna costume competitions, Tiger Dance, and prasada distribution, the festival is more of a spiritual and cultural experience for devotees.
From September 4 to 6, Udupi Sri Krishna Matha and the surrounding areas are expected to be filled with devotion, joy, and cultural activities for the birth of Lord Krishna.
