Udupi: The Shravana month brings together the natives of Udupi in huge numbers to the Sri Krishna Kanmashtami. It is considered as one of the most colorful festivals celebrated at the temple town every year. The car street looks busy and beautiful with the preparations.
Prasadam:
One of the most cherished parts of the celebration is the ‘prasadham’. This year, prasadham will be distributed to each devotee in packets. To all who visit the temple on Krishnashtami and Vittla Pindi, more than 2 lakh ladoos and 1.5 lakh chakkulis have been prepared to be distributed.
On September 7, the prasadam will be distributed in schools, in and around Udupi.
Hulivesha:
Like every year, on the occasion, Lakshmivara Tirtha Swamiji of Shiroor math has prepared 6 lakh worth currency garlands to encourage the hulivesha (tiger dance) participants.
The garlands, worth six lakhs, include denominations of Rs. 100 and Rs.50 currency notes. 1200 individual tiger dancers will be garlanded with currency notes.
People dressed in different costumes, band sets and other troupes will also be rewarded with a cash prize. A special stage will be put up in front of the Shiroor math to organize the tiger dance.
There will also be a hulivesha performance by a Physically handicapped group on the occasion of Vittla Pindi.
Various cultural programmes:
On the occasion, various cultural programmes will be organised, Classical dance, Drama, Yakshagana and Bhajans have been arranged. Out of the all the programmes, the major attraction is ‘Muddu Krishna’, where children dressed up as Lord Krishna, will compete with each other at Rajangana and Madhwa Mantapa here.
Tensed parents giving their children tips on how to behave as Krishna on the stage is a common and interesting sight around this time.
The marvelous and vibrant event of Sri Krishna Leelotsava, as part of the Janmastami festival, will be held on Sunday evening where the main event of breaking the pots hanging from the specially erected poles filled with coloured water and sweets will be held.
