The two- day Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations in the temple town of Udupi began with ‘Arghyapradhan’ (offering of milk and holy water along with ‘Bilvapatra’) to the clay idol of Lord Sri Krishna inside the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Krishna Temple, on Sunday.

‘Sri Krishna Leelotsava’ popularly known as ‘Vitla pindi’ or ‘Mosarukudike Habba’ will be celebrated on Monday.

Paryaya Palimaru Mutt seer Vidhyadheesha Teertha Swami performed the ritual of ‘Arghyapradan’ at 11.48 pm.

The ‘Arghyapradan’ by the devotees under the guidance of Paryaya seer to mark the birth of Lord Sri Krishna was conducted. The presiding deity Lord Krishna was decorated to create the scene of his birth at the prison. A large number of devotees from the cowherd community from in and around Udupi district offered ‘Arghyapradan’ in the sanctorum of the temple. A special puja was performed at the temple at the midnight after observing a fasting by the seers and devotees.

The Car Street is filled with festive ambience. The celebrations began with ‘Muddu Krishna’ competitions for various age-group children, wherein children dressed like Lord Balakrishna participated at Rajangann.

The celebrations began by offering Tulasi laksha archane to Krishna at 6 am. Mahapooja was held at 9 am.

“Laddu” muhurtha was held at 10 am and was initiated by Palimaru seer and Adamaru junior pontiff Vishwapriya Teertha Swami. Several laddus were prepared by them.

Bhajans were also held at the temple by various Bhajan troupes.

The famous Tiger dance ‘Hulivesha’ and other performances across the temple town mesmerised the people. Another attraction of the day was women performing the Tiger dance. A large number of devotees visited the temple to get a glimpse of Lord Krishna.

The posters with the photographs of late Shiroor Mutt seer Sri Lakshmivara Teertha Swami has been put up across Car Street by the devotees.