Udupi soaks in Ashtami spirit
Udupi, Sept. 14, 2025: From dawn, the temple town of Udupi came alive with festivity on Sunday as thousands of devotees thronged the temple town to celebrate Sri Krishna Janmashtami. The ongoing Shree Puthige Vishwa Geeta Paryaya lent a special charm to this year’s observances, filling the precincts with devotion, colour, and music.
From the break of dawn, the air vibrated with chants of “Sri Krishnaya Namaha”—recited 1,008 times as part of a day-long spiritual programme. Paryaya Peetadhipathi Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the beginning, extending his blessings to devotees. The event drew participation from Matha dignitaries including Diwan Sri Nagaraj Acharya, International Secretary Sri Prasanna Acharya, and several Patanjali district leaders, joined by yoga practitioners and followers from near and far.
The highlight for many came in the Rajangana, where tiny tots dressed as Muddu Krishna stole hearts with their innocence. With peacock feathers, flutes, and butter pots, the children brought alive tales of the young Krishna. Competitions were held across Geetha Mandira, Madhva Mantapa, Ananteshwara temple precinct, and Rajangana, turning the temple town into a canvas of play and devotion.
Adding a traditional touch, the Laddu-kattuva (Laddu Making) ritual at the Bhojanasala, performed in the presence of both Paryaya Swamijis, drew large crowds. The Matha itself dazzled with floral decorations, becoming a magnet for pilgrims and families clicking pictures of the vibrant displays.
As dusk fell, cultural programmes deepened the devotional mood. The soulful strains of Dasara Padaas rendered by Pandit Lakshminarayan Upadhyaya and Sudheer Rao Kodavoor filled the Rajangana. The evening also featured a Janmashtami Sabha where eminent personalities were felicitated.
Music and theatre added further colour: a flute recital by Abhiram Bhat at the Surya Shala enthralled listeners, while the Bhagavati Yakshagana troupe from Puttur staged the Sri Krishna Putra Vivahotsava Yakshagana, blending myth, dance, and drama to resounding applause.
For the thousands gathered, the day was more than ritual—it was a celebration of faith, family, and the enduring spirit of Janmashtami. In Udupi, where devotion and culture walk hand in hand, Ashtami was not just observed, it was experienced.
