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Udupi: Lord Krishna of Udupi, worshipped by the Ashta Mutts and known for his playful and divine nature, is celebrated with Rathotsavas (chariot festivals) on special occasions and at the request of devotees. Devotees pull the chariots on the Ratha Beedi of Sri Krishna Mutt and take part in the festivities. Lord Krishna is pleased by devotion in many forms — whether through Kanakadasa’s style of devotional singing or through the joyful act of pulling the chariot. Such devotion is believed to fulfil devotees’ wishes.

Accordingly, special Rathotsavas are held during the Sapta Utsava, Churnotsava and Vittla Pindi festival. Devotees may also sponsor Rathotsava services to fulfil their vows, and the festival is conducted as per their request.

Sapta Utsava

The Sapta Utsava begins on January 9 and continues for seven days. During the first five days, Lord Krishna and Mukhya Prana Devaru are seated in the Garuda Ratha, while Lord Ananteshwara and Chandramouleshwara Devaru are seated in the smaller chariot. The festival is conducted with two chariots.

The sixth day falls on January 14, Makar Sankranti. On this day, the Rathotsava is held under the leadership of the Paryaya pontiff. After the Teppotsava at the Madhwa Sarovara, the chariot procession begins. Lord Krishna is seated in the Brahma Ratha, Ananteshwara and Chandramouleshwara Devaru in the Garuda Ratha, and Mukhya Prana Devaru in the small chariot.

Decorative lighting, dancing bhajans, firework displays and cultural performances accompany the procession as the three chariots move along Ratha Beedi. Devotees offer prayers with full devotion and seek fulfilment of their wishes. While the first six days feature night-time celebrations, on January 15 the Churnotsava is held during the daytime (forenoon). This marks the concluding Abhisheka ceremony of the seven-day festival.

Churnotsava

Churnotsava is held at Sri Krishna Mutt on the day following the Sapta Utsava and Makar Sankranti celebrations. After the Paryaya pontiff completes the Maha Pooja in the morning, the Churnotsava begins. The festival idols of Lord Krishna and Mukhya Prana Devaru are placed in the Brahma Ratha and worshipped, followed by the Rathotsava.

Later, Pallapuja, Ashtavadhana at the Vasanta Mahal, and Olaga Mantapa pooja are performed. The festival concludes with the Avabhritha Snana of the idols at the Madhwa Sarovara, marking the completion of the Sapta Utsava.

Vittla Pindi Utsava

In Udupi, Ashtami is observed according to the solar calendar. Sri Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on the Ashtami day as per the solar almanac, followed by Sri Krishna Leelotsava or Vittla Pindi on the next day. On the night of Ashtami, Krishna Arghya is offered at the time of moonrise.

The following day, the Vittla Pindi Utsava is celebrated to mark the joy of Lord Krishna’s birth. In the afternoon, the clay idol of Lord Krishna is placed in the golden chariot, while the festival idols of Ananteshwara and Chandramouleshwara temples are placed in the Navaratna chariot and taken in procession along Ratha Beedi.

During the procession, traditional gollas (cow-keeper) dressed in white dhotis, blue vests and grass waistbands, wearing grass caps and carrying bamboo sticks, celebrate by breaking pots filled with curd, turmeric, vermilion and coloured powder. Maces are arranged by Sri Krishna Mutt and the Ananteshwara and Chandramouleshwara temples. After the festival, the clay idol is immersed in the Madhwa Sarovara. The festival begins and concludes with ritual bathing at the Sarovara.

Rathotsava services by devotees

Devotees who have had their wishes fulfilled by Lord Krishna offer Rathotsava services as part of their vows. Such services can be conducted using the Brahma Ratha, Swarna Ratha, Garuda Ratha or Rajata Ratha at Sri Krishna Mutt. The festival is held in the chariot chosen by the devotee.

As Janmashtami falls during the Chaturmasya period, the main festival idols are not taken out. Hence, the tradition of worshipping a clay idol on Ashtami is followed. This clay idol is worshipped and taken in procession during Vittla Pindi and later immersed in the Madhwa Sarovara.

The bond between Makar Sankranti and Udupi Krishna

There is a traditional belief linking Lord Krishna with the solar transition marked by Makar Sankranti. According to legend, the idol of Lord Krishna once worshipped by Rukmini during the Dwapara Yuga later went underground. In the Kali Yuga, sailors carried a lump of clay from Dwarka while travelling south. When their ship faced rough seas near Malpe, close to Udupi, they offered the clay lump to Sri Madhwacharya, who was performing penance on the shore. The sea calmed thereafter.

Sri Madhwacharya brought the idol to Udupi and installed it near the Ananteshwara temple. As this event is believed to have occurred on Makar Sankranti, the Brahma Rathotsava is conducted every year in remembrance of this tradition.