Mangalore : A Huge number of children dressed in colorful Shri Krishna costumes participated in the Shri Krishna Vesha competition, which was held at Kadri Shree Manjunatha Temple on August 21, Sunday.

Over 1500 children participated in the national-level Shri Krishna Festival, of which the Shri Krishna Vesha competition, organized in various categories by the Kalkura Prathishtana, formed a part. The purpose of the competition was to enhance cultural and religious awareness among the public and to awaken hidden talents in small children. The competition, which commenced at 12 noon, will continue till 12 midnight.

The Shri Krishna Vesha competition was held in 15 categories simultaneously at different places in the temple premises. The categories were titled “Kanda Krishna” for kids below the age of one and “Muddu Krishna” for kids below the age of two, which permitted mothers to accompany the children on the stage. The other categories were “Thunta Krishna” for children aged 2 – 3, “Bala Krishan” for KG and LKG kids, “Kishora Krishna” for kids of UKG and I Std, “Shri Krishna” for children of II, III, and IV Stds, “Geetha Krishna,” which includes scenes of the Geethopadesha for students up to VII Std, and “Yaksha Krishna” for students up to VIII Std, requiring them to wear Yakshagana costumes such as “kedage,” “pagadi,” and “mandale,” “Radhakrishna,” “Yashoda Krishna” for women as well as children, “Shankanada,” and a special competition called “Devaki Krishna.” The children’s mothers also danced on stage as part of the Devaki Krishna category. Special category was ‘Vasudeva Krishna’.

Besides the Shri Krishna Vesha competition, a special Shri Krishna quiz was also held for children up to VII Std. Each child participant received a panchaloha idol of Kadagolu Krishna, books on the stories of Shri Krishna, a certificate, a picture of Lord Manjunatha, and an attractive cloth bag each. The children were also served hot milk, peda, and ice cream.

Later, group photos of all the participating children were taken.