Udupi Gears Up for Janmashtami and Colourful Vittal Pindi Festivities

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Sept 14, 2025: The temple town of Udupi has donned a festive look for Janmashtami celebrations today, with the grand and colourful Vittal Pindi scheduled for Monday. As part of the festivities, Paryaya Sri Puthige Mutt has announced the distribution of 1.5 lakh chakkulis and 3.5 lakh ‘unde’ (laddus) to devotees.

 

 

The Vittal Pindi, also known as Sri Krishna Leelothsava, will commence at 3 p.m. on Monday along the Car Street. A highlight of the celebrations will be the traditional ‘mosaru kudike’—the breaking of earthen pots filled with milk, curd, and butter, symbolising Lord Krishna’s childhood pranks.

According to tradition, the word Vittal is derived from Vittala, one of Krishna’s childhood names, while Pindi comes from Banda, meaning earthen pot. Over time, Vittala Banda came to be known as Vittal Pindi.

The procession will begin at the entrance of Sri Krishna Mutt, featuring a special clay idol of Lord Krishna placed in a golden chariot. Along the route, earthen pots filled with milk, curd, and butter will be suspended on specially constructed wooden “gopuras.” As the chariot nears each gopura, men dressed as Yadavas will compete to break the pots, a ritual that adds excitement to the festival.

Adding colour and vibrancy, performers in “huli vesha” (tiger dance) and other mythological costumes will dance in front of the chariot, delighting thousands of devotees.

The grand procession will culminate at the entrance of the Sri Krishna Mutt, after which the clay idol will be immersed in the Madhwa Sarovara pond, marking the conclusion of the Vittal Pindi festivities.