Janmashtami celebrated in Udupi

Udupi: With children dressed up as Muddu Krishnas everywhere, the temple town wore a festive look on Friday. On the occasion of Ashtami, Muddu Krishna competitions were organised at every nook and corner. Children between 1 and 13 dressed like Balakrishna were the cynosure of all eyes.

Though Udupi Sri Krishna mutt is the centre of attraction for both Krishna Janmashtami and Vittal Pindi festivals, this year Ashta mutt seers, including Paryaya seer Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha Swamiji of Palimar Mutt, decided to have it in a simple manner.

However, all pujas and other rituals will be followed as usual.

There were three stages for Muddu Krishna competitions on temple premises — Muddukrishna in Rajangana, Kishorakrishna in Annabrahma and Balakrishna in Bojanashala. Hundreds of children displayed Krishna's childhood and Palimaru seer with his junior Srividyarajeshwara Theertha Swamiji and Admar junior, Sri Ishapriya Tirtha Swamiji, witnessed the entire completion. More than 500 children participated and youths put on various ‘Veshas’ like tiger, Yakshagana, Rakshasa/ demons, etc. Car Street was bustling with flowers, Mude leaves, fancy items and toys on sale. Sri Krishna Seve Samithi organised a bhajan programme from 10am to 6pm. Special laddus were made by all seers of Ashta Mutts. In all, 1.5 lakh laddus and 1 lakh chakulus were prepared at Krishna Mutt.

People were thrilled to see Sri Krishna Leelotsava (popularly known as Vittal Pindi), in which tiger dances take place. A video clip of actor Rakshit Shetty doing the tiger dance team has gone viral. He came with the Korangrapady Babbuswamy temple dance group.

There was extensive police cover to ensure safety of devotees, said SP Nisha James. There is no change in the traffic system. Devotees who visit Sri Krishna Mutt must park their vehicles in Royal Garden, Kalsanka.