Little gods descend on Kadri temple

The charm of Krisha Vesha contest at Kadri Manjunatheshwara temple seems to be augmenting by every passing year.

On the occasion of the 30th year of the contest at temple premises on Sunday, the never-dying enthusiasm of parents and children came to the fore.

The presence of children dressed up in Lord Krishna attire was filled in almost every room and courtyard of the temple. While the grown up Krishnas were rehearsing for the performance with the assistance of their mothers, the little Krishnas were busy playing on the floor unmindful of the contest.

Little Krishnas were accompanied by the parents and grand parents who not only trained them up for the event, but also played good audience by cheering them.

A few small children showed tantrums on the stage, while a few were in a playful mood as they played with the flute or rejoiced eating ice cream or butter offered to them during performance. Children also used supportive aids like snake, govardhana giri, elephant, chariot and cow for a better presentation.

Distance did not matter for the likes of Sowrabha K, who travelled all the way from Manjeshwara in Kasargod district to participate in the event. This eight-year old girl is regular at Krishna Vesha contest and is participating in Kadri Krishna Vesha for the sixth consecutive year.

Her mother who is all supportive of her daughter, told Deccan Herald that her daughter does not like to miss the event at any cost. “Sowrabha wanted to participate in the event and we brought her here,” she said. The child’s talent reflected in the way she danced with fine expressions at ‘Shri Krishna’ category.

For Bangalore based advocate Vaishali Bhat, it was a long time dream to be a part of the contest. “As a child, I used to visit Kadri Krishna Vesha contest, but never used to participate. But, I always wished to take part along with my child once I become the mother. And, today my dream has come true as I am here along with my 8-month-old baby,” she said. Vaishali participated in Yashoda Krishna event.

Raghavendra Holla from Udupi, a father of five-and-a-half-month-old child drew attention of the shutterbugs. Clad in Vasudeva costume, he was seen carrying his baby in a basket under the shade of a dummy snake.

The contest was held in 24 categories, including Sri Krishna Varna Vaibhava which was held in five categories. Though the number of participants was comparatively less, over 1,000 children are said to have taken part in the event.