The Vitla Pindi also known as the Mosaru Kudike Utsava is celebrated a day after Krishna Janmashtami in Udupi- Lord Krishna’s abode.
On this day, the whole town of Udupi is soaked in a vibrant mood with several people thronging to the town to catch a glimpse of the Muddu Krishnas, the Veshadaris and the Huli vesha ( tiger dance). The highlight of Vitla Pindi is the youth forming human pyramids to reach the high hanging earthern pots filled with curds, a favorite delicacy of lord Krishna. The target is to break these pots with wooden club even while many others attempt to pull it far from the striker’s reach.
Watch video:
The temple mythology says that the idol of Lord Krishna, which was originally facing east had turned west to enable Kanakdasa, a devotee of the Lord hailing from backward community get a glimpse of the statue through a crack in the wall as he was not allowed to enter the temple premises.
With the belief that Lord Krishna may visit homes in some form or the other, the Muddu Krishnas and the veshadaris are never allowed to return empty-handed from any home.
While few of these people don the veshas for their livelihood, others donate the money thus received for charitable causes. This year a person named Ravi Kattapady donated a sum of Rs 5 lacs collected by donning a vesha for an operation of a needy.
Several competitions too are held to judge the best looking Muddu krishna.