Janmashtami in Udupi: A Cultural Celebration of Colours (Part 2)
Part 2 of my Janmashtami in Udupi experience is live! From the thrilling Vitla Pindi where pots of all kinds were smashed, to the chaos of grabbing prasada amidst the crowd, this journey has been nothing short of incredible. A funny moment? Being carried by the crowd, just as my friend Sankarshan predicted! Dive into the vibrant cultural celebration and get lost in the magic of Udupi's Janmashtami. Check it out now!
JANMASHTAMI
Likith K H
9/30/20244 min read
Before diving into this part, make sure to check out Part 1 of my Janmashtami experience, where I explored the tiger dance preparations and the vibrant cultural festivities in Udupi!
As the events of Janmashtami in Udupi continued to unfold, the experience only grew more captivating. After witnessing the intense energy of the tiger dancers during the early morning pooja, my friend Sankarshan and I knew we were in for a day filled with vibrant cultural displays.
The streets of Udupi were alive with excitement. Everywhere you turned, there was something to catch your eye—colorful decorations, lively music, and crowds of people celebrating the festival with unmatched enthusiasm. The energy in the air was infectious, and I found myself becoming more and more absorbed in the moment.
As we moved toward the Vitla Pindi or Mosaru Kudike, the final and most awaited event of Janmashtami, I couldn't help but feel the growing anticipation. The streets were packed with people, and the sense of community was strong. Everyone, from young children to elders, came together to witness this grand spectacle. For me, it was more than just an event—it was a celebration of life, faith, and tradition, all beautifully intertwined.
Vitla Pindi is known for its excitement and energy, and this year was no different. The scene was electric as participants dashed through the streets, breaking pots filled with curd while the crowd cheered them on. The sound of drums, the sight of broken pots, and the joy on people's faces created an atmosphere that was truly mesmerizing. Being in the middle of this cultural celebration was an unforgettable experience, one that left me feeling deeply connected to the traditions of Udupi.
As we moved closer to the Vitla Pindi, the atmosphere was electric. The excitement was contagious as participants dashed through the streets, breaking pots filled with curd, and the crowd cheered them on. The energy, the music, the vibrant colors—it all made for a mesmerizing experience. Being in the middle of it, carried by the crowd, added to the thrill.
I initially set out to capture these moments on camera, but I quickly realized that some experiences are meant to be lived, not just documented. In the heat of the moment, I put my camera down and simply let myself soak in the environment. It was a reminder that while photos can tell a story, they can't always capture the depth of emotion and energy in a live experience. Being there, amidst the chaos and joy, was something that no picture could truly convey.
The funny part was that Sankarshan and his parents had warned me beforehand. They told me not to bother struggling through the crowd and just let the people move me wherever I needed to go. And they were right! At one point, I wasn’t even walking—I was just being carried by the crowd, dragged all the way out of the area. It was such a surreal experience, but I couldn't help laughing because their advice turned out to be spot-on. You really don’t have to fight the crowd; they’ll take you where you need to go!
Sankarshan, who had been my guide throughout this journey, continued to share insights about the local traditions and customs. His knowledge and connection to the community made the experience even more meaningful for me. He showed me the significance behind every ritual, the purpose of every dance, and the stories passed down through generations. Thanks to him, I gained a deeper appreciation for Udupi's Janmashtami celebrations.
The last two days of the festival were intense, but they left me with memories that I will cherish forever. From the thrill of the tiger dance to the unity of the community at Vitla Pindi, I felt truly immersed in the spirit of Janmashtami. It was an experience that reminded me of the power of tradition and the beauty of cultural celebrations.
As I wrap up this part of my Janmashtami journey, I'm already looking forward to next year, eager to see how the celebration unfolds once again. Until then, these memories will stay with me, and I hope to share more stories and moments through my travel blog.
Stay tuned for more insights and stories from my adventures in Udupi, and thank you for joining me on this journey!
