This temple town which is also the world seat of Madhwa Philosophy is in the alacrity of celebrating the Krishna Janmashtami. It is truly an abode of lord Krishna who gave the glimpses of his presence just 400 years ago when he gave the Darshan to Kanakadasa the singing saint belonged to Kuruba community (Shepherd) by breaking open the walls of the temple on the Western side. The legend goes to say that the Krishna’s idol which was facing East turned West where Kanakadasa was standing. Since then Udupi is known for Krishna’s leela in the Kali Yuga.The Krishna Janmashtami is the favourite festival of this town, naturally so, considering the fact that the very idol of Krishna adored by Rukmini at the end of the Dwarpara Yuga was consecrated here. Another legendary event that supposed to have taken place towards the end of 13th century goes to say that the Dwaita philosopher Madhwacharya was conducting his morning prayer at Vadabandeshwara coast near Malpe when he saw a ship caught in a storm. Madhwacharya with his power over controlling the course of wind calmed down the storm in the sea and coasted the ship to safety. The captain of the ship landed on the coast and offered Madhwacharya anything from the ship. Madhwa being an ascetic did not want anything else but two sacks of Gopichandan (a type of paste that is used by the devotees of Krishna to embalm them before the poojas) Inside the sacks were the two idols of Krishna and Balarama. Madhwacharaya consecrated Krishna in Udupi and Balarama in Vadabandeshwara.
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The city with such a hoary past is now getting ready for its favourite festival.. The festival has a special significance in Udupi.
This year the Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on midnight of 23 when the devotees in Udupi observe fast for the entire day and bathe three times a day. After the midnight bath, they offer “arghya” to Lord Krishna by offering water through a conch and “Bilva” leaves. They also offer “arghya” to the moon. At the Sri Krishna Math, the Sri Krishna Swarna Mantapa and Lord Balakrishna are decorated with flowers and Tulsi. On this occasion special Alankara will be made by the swamiji and special Havissu is offered to the lord. The Utsava Murthy is taken on a Theppotsava in the Madhwa Sarovar. The “Chaturveda parayana,” the “Bhagawata parayana” and “Vishnusahasranama” are recited. At about 10 p.m., the paryaya swamiji begins the “mahapooja” and then “arghya” is offered. According to the Chandramana (Lunar) almanac the Janmashtami event has to co-incide in a congregation of two different cosmic events – The Rohini Nakshatra (daily star) and The Ashtami (the eighth day).
The Vittla Pindi is held the following day. It is derived from “Vittala,” one of the names Lord Krishna is known by, and “pindi,” which means a vessel or pot containing milk, curds or butter. Thousands of youth take part in this event.
The event starts at around 3 p.m. Thousands of devotees from different parts of the State come to watch it. On the occasion, an “utsavamurthy” of Lord Krishna made of clay is worshiped and carried in a chariot around Car Street in Udupi. Similar celebrations are done in Mangalore also, but not to the scale of Udupi.
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On this day youth dressed as tigers, bears and various other legendary figures also move around the city and dance in the accompaniments of percussion and other traditional musical instruments. People give them cash and home made goodies.
On this occasion every household indulges in elaborate afternoon lunch. A sweet dish is a must. It could be anything from Sukrunde to Halubai or Holige or Rave Unde.
On this occasion the lord Krishna is also offered at least five types of Laddus- Ashtami Unde is a must. This delicacy is prepared with mixture of various ingredients rounded with gummy jaggery, various types of fruits, dry fruits and raisins five types of flowers and Tulsi is also offered.
As a part of the celebrations special Krishna Kathas are also held in the Krishna Math and Krishna leela Yakshgana and Bayalata are held in surrounding areas in Udupi. The entire environment is charged with a festive mood the Krishna Math is given a fresh coat of paint and decorated with lights.