Udupi: The stage is set for Sri Krishna Jayanti and Sri Krishna Leelotsava (popularly known as ‘Vittal Pindi’) celebrations here on Sunday (September 2) and Monday (September 3), respectively. The Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple would be the cynosure of all eyes during both these festivals. The exponent of Dwaita philosophy Sri Madhwacharya installed the beautiful idol of Lord Krishna at the Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple here about 800 years ago.

The temple is decorated beautifully with flowers for both these festivals. A major attraction of the Krishna Jayanti festival is the ‘Muddu Krishna’ competition, where children dress like Lord Balakrishna and it will be held at the first floor of Bhojana Shale from 10 a.m. onwards on Sunday.

The event will be held in three sections: zero to three years – Muddu Krishna competition, three to five years – Balakrishna competition; and five to eight years – Kishore Krishna competition.

About 1 lakh “chakkulis” and about 50,000 “laddoos” each of four varieties – “Aralu,” “Gundittu,” “Yellu,” “Kadle” “Godambi” and “Rave” had been prepared at the temple to be distributed to the devotees.

Vidyadheesha Tirtha Swami of Paryaya Palimar Mutt would participate in the ritual of ‘arghya pradhana’ at 11.48 p.m. on Sunday.

The major attraction at the Vittal Pindi festival will be the carrying of the clay idol of Lord Krishna in the golden chariot on the Car Street at 3.30 p.m.

Twelve wooden ‘gopuras’ have been erected at different places on the Car Street, below which the chariot will move. Earthen pots containing milk and milk products would be hung from these wooden ‘gopuras.’ Persons dressed in folk costumes try to break these pots with sticks from below. This is known as ‘mosaru kudike.’

After the golden chariot goes around the Car Street and reaches the Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple, the clay idol is removed and immersed in the Madhwa Sarovara pond at the temple.