Udupi: The temple town of Udupi is slipping into festive mode as the city gears up for Sri Krishna Janmashtami and the grand Vittalapindi celebrations, bringing together devotion, tradition, music and spectacle.On the intervening night of Friday and Saturday at 12.15am, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Sri Krishna’s birth, Paryaya Sri Vedavardhana Thirtha Swami of Shiroor Mutt will offer arghya to Sri Krishna.Janmashtami in Udupi is steeped in centuries-old tradition. The celebrations have already gathered momentum, with religious and cultural programmes featuring acclaimed artistes being held over the past month. Competitions for students and the public have added to the festive buzz, while the traditional Hulivesha remains one of the biggest attractions.On Friday, Rajangana will host a Hulivesha competition and a ‘Muddu Krishna’ competition. The tiger dance is not merely a spectacle — several troupes use the occasion to raise funds for medical treatment and educational assistance.Meanwhile, Car Street is undergoing a transformation. Thirteen triangular wooden gurjis and two large pavilions have been erected, with final decorations under way. Eight gurjis are associated with the Ashta Mathas, while others are linked to the Anantheshwara and Chandramoulishwara temples.A major highlight is the Mosaru Kudike. Three pots are suspended from each gurji, filled with curd, coloured water, turmeric and kumkum. During Vittalapindi, performers dressed as gollas climb the wooden structures and smash the pots. A total 47 earthen pots, including larger one containing turmeric powder and coconuts, are being decorated.On Saturday, Vitlapindi will bring the festivities to a crescendo. A clay idol of Sri Krishna will be placed on a golden chariot and pulled through Car Street by thousands of devotees. A traditional Malla Yuddha performance by invited wrestlers will be held on a specially erected mud platform in front of Shiroor Mutt.The streets will reverberate with the beats of drums as Hulivesha troupes enthral crowds with energetic performances. Several teams will participate in the competition, and the top three teams will be rewarded with cash prizes.Inside the mutt, flowers and lights add to the festive ambience, while thousands of undes and chakkulis are being prepared and packed as prasadam. At the annadana programme, devotees are served prasadam following Palla Pooje ritual. After completing the Car Street circuit, the golden chariot returns to the temple, where the Paryaya seer performs the ritual immersion of the clay idol in Madhwa Sarovara.Tight security arrangements are being made under the supervision of Udupi SP Hariram Shankar to ensure the celebrations pass off smoothly.
