Udupi: Vitla Pindi celebrated with grandeur

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Sep 6, 2026: Thousands of devotees thronged Udupi Sri Krishna Math on Saturday to witness the traditional Vitla Pindi and Mosaru Kudike celebrations, held amid intermittent rain concerns.

The grand procession began at around 3.30 p.m., with Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Sripada of Paryaya Shirur Math and the head of Krishnapura Math participating. A clay idol of Lord Krishna was placed on a golden chariot and taken around Car Street, while the festival idols of Ananteshwara and Chandramoulishwara were carried in another chariot.

As part of the traditional Mosaru Kudike, curd, milk and coloured water-filled pots were hung from 13 structures along Car Street. Men dressed as Yadavas attempted to break the pots using long poles.

The celebrations featured Pili Vesha, chende, Tattiraya, traditional music, Krishna costumes and demon characters. A traditional wrestling demonstration was also held for the first time in front of Shirur Math, with wrestlers from Mysuru, Mandya and Mangaluru participating.

The arecanut tree-climbing competition, suspended for several years following an accident, was also revived. One participant successfully climbed the slippery tree and won the prize.

Pili Vesha and folk dance competitions were held at Rajangana in the evening, while annadanam was arranged at the Math’s Rajangana and dining hall, serving thousands of devotees.

The festivities concluded with the immersion of the clay idol of Lord Krishna in Madhwa Sarovara. Earlier, at 12.12 a.m., Paryaya Shirur Sripada had performed a special puja to Lord Krishna and offered arghya at the Tulasi shrine in the presence of the Krishnapura Math seer.