Udupi: The beauty and mischievousness of Lord Krishna came alive at Shree Krishna Temple premises, during the Krishna Vesha competition organised by Paryaya Pejawar Math here on Thursday, August 24.

 Tiny tots enthralled the audience. Few little Krishna’s were seen savouring butter and ice cream while parents were trying hard to make their children look better. Different age groups dressed as Krishna and Radha bringing the revered couple alive – both in person and performance to the applause of the gathering.

It was a visual treat with kids in decorative headgears, bejewelled costumes in different hues and with a peacock feather, to top it all. There were “Krishnas” laughing, crying, fighting, and eating ice cream. Their parents were busy helping their children dress up and could be seen rehearsing their part. Parents, were busy feeding, dressing, and practising their dance steps along with their children.

Apparently, the parents had put in their best efforts for the show. But some children were unmindful of the spirit of the competition much to the charging of their parents.

Shree Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji and Shree Vishwa Prasanna Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Pejawar Math actively visited various competition places and enjoyed with kids amid their busy schedule. Shree Vishwa Prasanna Theertha the junior Swamiji of Pejawar Math was busy with recording the actions of tiny tots in his mobile.

The ritualistic and spiritualistic three-day Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations began with ‘Arghyapradan’ (offering of milk and holy water along with ‘Bilvapatra’) to the clay idol of Lord Sri Krishna at 11:48 pm here inside the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Krishna temple on Wednesday, August 24.

Paryaya Pejawar Math Swamijis – senior Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji and junior Vishwa Prasanna Theertha Swamiji – performed the ritual of ‘Arghyapradan’ at 11:48 pm and would be performing the similar ritual at 11:48 pm on Thursday.

This year the Sri Krishna Janmashtami festival will be celebrated at the Sri Krishna Math/Temple both on August 24 and 25 due to differences in the “Panchangas.” The important ritual of “Arghya Pradhana” to Lord Krishna will be held at the temple at 11:48 p.m. on August 24 and 25. The Sri Krishna Leelotsava festival, popularly known as Vittal Pindi, will be celebrated on August 26.

Arghya means the offering of milk and water to the specially-made clay idol of Lord Sri Krishna at the sanctum of the temple which will be held at midnight and will be the main event, followed by Sri Krishna Leelotsav on the next day, which is locally known as Vittal Pindi. The colourful procession of the presiding deity will be held in the afternoon along with several fancy, folk and cultural troupes with tiger dances marking the day.

The entire car street has been decked with buntings. Specially decorated poles have been erected around the main Rathabeedhi (Car Street) – the venue for the ‘Sri Krishna Leelotsava,’ popularly known as Vittal Pindi and Mosarukudike to be held on Friday – has added colour to the celebrations.