Amid COVID-19 Crises, low key Sri Krishna Janmashtami Celebrations underway in Udupi
Udupi: Low-key Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations are underway in Udupi District this year as the festivities are restricted on September 10 and 11..
The district administration had directed organisers of Sri Krishna Janmashtami to make the celebrations a low-key affair due to the COVID-19 scare. The Janmashtami celebrations are associated with ‘Mosaru Kudike’, which is observed in a grand manner at the Udupi Krishna Math every year. For the Krishna Leelotsava (Vittal Pindi) on Friday, entry for the general public in Car Street will be restricted for the afternoon celebrations as per the directions of the district administration.
The Krishna Leelotsava will be celebrated between 3 and 6 pm at Sri Krishna Temple/Math and surroundings, including the Car Street. The general public is advised not to participate in the programme due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation as per the direction of the district administration. Car Street would remain closed for the general public from 2 to 5:30 pm,
On September 10 Paryaya Admar Math Junior Swamiji Eshapriya Theertha Swamiji performed 1 lakh Tulasi Archana to Lord Sri Krishna, on account of the Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Vittal Pindi festivals.
Meanwhile, cooks from the Paryaya Admar Math prepared Laddus and Chakkulis (over one lakh each) for distribution among visiting devotees. The ritual ‘Arghyapradanam’ (offering of milk and holy water along with ‘Bilvapatra’) offered to the clay idol of Lord Sri Krishna inside the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Krishna Math will be held at midnight 12:16 am. All the programmes will be streamed live on the Admar Math’s website and youtube channel.
Every year the devotees gather in large numbers around the Car Street to witness the carnival filled with spiritual and religious zest. However, this year the public will not be allowed to witness the festival due to the COVID-19 crisis.