UDUPI: The temple town of Udupi witnessed a surge of devotees as hundreds gathered at the renowned Udupi Sri Krishna Math for the Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Vittlapindi celebrations.
For this temple town, Sri Krishna Janmashtami is more than just a festival—it is a celebration that binds generations, bringing together families, friends, and strangers in a shared expression of faith.
As the clock struck midnight, the usually quiet town transformed into a spiritual hub, with devotees thronging the temple.
Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji and his disciple Sri Sushreendra Tirtha Swamiji of Paryaya Puthige Math led the rituals, offering the sacred 'Arghya' (a ritual where water and flowers are offered with devotion).
Devotees who observed the 'Upvas' on Ashtami also took part in offering Arghya, which is considered a pivotal part of the Janmashtami celebrations.
On Tuesday, special poojas were conducted as part of the Sri Krishna Leelotsava festivities.
The event, locally known as Vittlapindi, drew large crowds to Ratha Beedi (Car Street). Devotees offered prayers to Lord Krishna and witnessed the deity's procession on the Golden Chariot.
The highlight of the evening was the clay idol of Lord Krishna, which was carried in a grand procession on a golden palanquin from the Math to the Golden Chariot. In Ratha Beedi, the traditional Mosarukudike ceremony took place, and seers distributed laddus and chakkuli as prasadam to the gathered devotees.
The festivities also featured the lively 'Huli Vesha' performance, which captivated the crowd on the Car Street stage.
The celebration concluded with the sacred 'Avabrutha Snana,' a holy bath ritual, held after the Rathotsavam.
