Udupi: The world famous Sri Krishna temple is all set to celebrate Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Vittal Pindi which will be held from September 5 to 6. Janmashtami for locals is incomplete without Mosaru Kudike and Hulivesha. Mosaru Kudike is a festival similar to ‘Dahi Handi’ celebrated in Maharashtra and other parts of North India.
It is celebrated as Nada Habba all over the city and the temple town is gearing up for the celebrations. Normally, the devotees prepare ‘Kotte Kadubu’ for Krishna Ashtami. Women were seen selling ‘Kottige’ near Car Street. Public were seen purchasing ‘petla’ which is used during Vittal Pindi.
“Mosaru Kudike” is also celebrated on the day of Vittal Pindi, where a clay pot comprising saffron water suspended at a height is broken with wooden poles by folks dressed as shepherds.
The entire car street has been decked with buntings. Specially decorated poles 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 Sunday – has added colour to the celebrations.
The Paryaya Kaniyoor Math is ready for Krishna Ashtami celebrations in Udupi. The Kaniyoor math has been decked with flowers and lights for the celebrations. On the Janmashtami Day, Paryaya Sri Kaniyoor Math Sri Vidya Vallabha Thirtha Sripad will hold offerings (puja). After the Maha Puja, the Swamiji will offer Naivedya (Prasadam/Ladoos), and devotees will join in preparing ‘laddus’. In the night, after the puja around midnight (12.14 pm) Krishna will be offered Arghya Pradhana.
Arghya means 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 Kaniyoor Math prepares 1.20 lakh ‘chakkulis’ and 1.60 lakh ‘laddus’ to be distributed among the devotees during Vittal Pindi scheduled to be held on Sunday. As many as 3 varieties of laddus are being prepared.
100 staff at the math have started preparing the chakkulis and laddus. After fasting from morning to midnight on 5 September, the chakkullis and laddus will be offered to Krishna and then will be served to people on 6 September on the eve of Vittal Pindi. Sri Vidyavallabha Theertha Swamiji will offer the Arghya followed by special pujas.
Children studying in schools will also be provided with laddus and chakkulis.
The police have beefed up security in and around Car Street for the Vittal Pindi. Special police force has been deployed for security purpose.