7-day car festival to conclude in Udupi

Makara Sankranthi or Makara Sankramana, the festivity marking the commencement of Uttarayana with the movement of Sun from Dhanu Rashi to Makara Rashi, according to Souramana System (Solar calendar) was celebrated in Sri Krishna Temple with great religious fervour and gaiety.

Brahmarathothsava celebrations marked the year’s first Car festival. The day also commemorates the installation of the Saligramashila (black stone) idol of Lord Sri Krishna at the temple over 800 years ago and establishment of Ashta Mutt (Eight Mutts), along with appointment of eight Sanyasis, to perform Sri Krishna Pooja for two years by every pontiff on rotation by Dwaitha philosopher Madhwacharya.

To commemorate the installation of Lord Sri Krishna, every year seven-day car festival is organised in the night.

On the sixth day, three huge Rathas (Car) were pulled by large number of devotees assembled at main Car Street.

Most of the pontiffs from Ashta Mutt joined the colourful car festival celebrated with joy as the idols of Lord Sri Krishna, Lord Mukhyaprana, Lord Chandramouleeshwar and Lord Anantheshwar were taken in procession in different chariots across the Car Street.

On the seventh day of car festival, Choornotsav, the daylight car festival will be held on Tuesday, where the clay idol of the presiding deity will be taken in Brahmaratha.

After the procession, the clay idol will be immersed at Madhwa Sarovar, the temple pond, followed by holy dip by the pontiffs and the devotees.