Udupi: As a part of Sri Krishna Janmashatami celebrations, the famous Vittla Pindi and Krishna Leelotsava, also known as ‘Mosaru Kudike Habba’ was traditionally held here on Friday, September 11, 2020 in very slow profile due to coronavirus pandemic in midst of restricted devotees with adding festive culture to the ambience and the celebrations.
At about 3.30 pm, the idol of Krishna, accompanied by Golla dressers, entered the chariot at Pallakkali at the grand reception of the five chanters and became a decorated chariot. Paryaya Admar Mutt Pontiff Sri Ishapriya Theertha Swamiji was driven to the Vittla Pindi program through the aarti. As usual today there was no bump, no whisper. But only the few restricted devotees who have come to celebrate in midst of rain showers.
Golla dressers danced in their own style, bursting into flaps. Ashtami is a celebration of tiger disguise. Flames of disguise were seen on the chariot, and the disguise was a celebration for people.
However, this time it was forbidden to wear disguises under the direction of the district administration. Hence, those very few fancy dressers who in the intention of providing awareness on coronavirus pandemic, were seen throughout the procession at Car Street. The procession marched around Car Street with the Vedic slogan and other rituals.
During the procession the main event was a ritual of breaking the earthen pots filled with milk, curds and saffron water, signifying the childhood mischiefs of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna looked enchanting in his Diamond armour(Vijrakavacha Alankara) which was his special decoration for the day. A group of Dolla people with coloured chest and half dressed in husk dress broke the hanging pots using huge bamboo sticks.
As a procession went on, the pontiffs of Astha Mutt then distributed the Prasadam of broken coconut pieces, fruits, laddus and chakkulis towards the devotees.
Rain continued to pour throughout the procession. After the procession, the clay idol was immersed in the temple lake ‘Madhwa Sarovar’ in front of the temple. The seers and devotees also took a dip in the holy lake on the occasion.
