Udupi: The curtains were brought down for the “Sri Krishna Janmashtami” with the carnival of “Sri Krishna Leelotsava”, popularly known as “Vittal pindi” or “Mosaru kudike” as part of the two-day “Sri Krishna Jayanthi” celebrations on Sunday, September 6.
The ritual of breaking the earthen pots filled with milk, curds and saffron water signifies the life of Lord Krishna during his childhood. Devotees and the public gathered in large numbers around Car Street and witnessed the great carnival filled with spiritual and religious aroma.
The clay idol of Lord Krishna was taken in a grand procession around Car Street on the chariot in the evening, following which the main event of breaking pots, filled with coloured water hanged from specially erected poles around the temple, was held. A group of people with green colored chests and half dressed with husk dresses broke the pots from the poles with huge bamboo sticks. Before starting the procession, “Mahamangalarathi” was held to the clay idol in the chariot by the Sri Vidhyavallbhateertha Swamiji of Paryaya Kaniyoor Math. After the procession, the clay idol was immersed in “Madhwa Sarovar”. The Swamijis and the devotees also took a holy dip in the lake on the occasion.
Several folk and fancy troupes including several ‘tiger dance’ troupes added color to the procession. The entire Car Street was flooded with people. Police had made elaborate security arrangements in the city for the smooth conduct of the event.