Udupi: The second day of Krishna Janmashtami, also known as “Krishna Leelotsava”, “Vittal Pindi” or “Mosaru Kudike”, witnessed a fervorous celebration in the temple city of Udupi. The Vittal Pindi celebration is an annual event that is held during the Krishna Janmashtami festival at Sri Krishna Temple.
The highlight of the Vittal Pindi was the vibrant procession of the clay idol “Utsava Murti” around the temple in Car Street, Udupi.
The festival derives its name from the words “Vittala” (Lord Krishna’s pet name) and “Pindi” (an earthen pot containing milk, curds and butter).
The deity’s clay idol was paraded around Car Street in a beautiful golden chariot and the temple priest performed a “Mahamangalarthi” ritual before the deity.
Ahead of the golden chariot, idols of Lord Anantheshwara and Lord Chandramousleshwara were paraded in another chariot known as the “Navaratna Ratha”.
In the midst of the procession, breakable pots were erected at various sections of the temple. At each point, a group of men climbed atop each other and broke the pot filled with coloured water. Udupi’s famous tiger-dance troupes, as well as other folk troupes, participated in the procession.
Meanwhile, eatables such as laddoos, chakkulis and fresh fruits were distributed as “prasadam” amongst the massive crowd of spectators.
The procession concluded at the entrance of the Sri Krishna Mutt after which the clay idol was carried on a golden palanquin and immersed in a nearby pond known as “Madhava Sarovara”.