Udupi: Paryaya, a balm for the wounds

Udupi: If the coast has seen communal tension of late , the ongoing Paryaya celebration in Udupi seems to be applying balm to the wounded sentiments of all communities. 

Paryaya marks the start of the two-year term of the new seer chosen from  among  eight pontiffs of the Udupi Krishna Math, to offer daily pooja to Lord Krishna. 

This year  Vidyadheesha Swamiji of Palimaru Hrishikesha Mutt  takes over  from Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt on January 18.

The event sees a celebration that all communities participate in.  For instance, Muslim and Christian organisations have donated vegetables, rice and other commodities to the temple as part of the celebration.

And on Tuesday a massive blood donation camp was held in the temple town organised by  the multi-community Sri Pejawara Blood Team, the  All College Students Union, Udupi, and the Udupi Zilla Muslim Bandhavara Paryaya Sauhardha Samithi.

The Pejawara Blood Team , a team of volunteers,  has over 1,800 members from various religions including about 850 Muslims and a good number of Christians. The team has several units, including one in Bhatkal where it has  about 45 Muslim members.

"In the coastal region there are some elements who believe in bloodshed. But we save lives through blood donation. We want communal harmony and are doing our bit to help society through blood donation for the last eight years," team leader, Mohammed Arif told the Deccan Chronicle, adding, "We feel such programmes  help in ensuring communal harmony in  society. Despite communal tension in nearby places, Udupi is not affected.  Pejawar Swamiji along with other seers is working for peace and harmony here," he added.

Meanwhile, the Udupi Zilla Muslim Bandhavara Paryaya Sauhardha Samithi plans to organise various programmes during the Paryaya celebration, including planting  of one lakh saplings and an organ donation camp.