Udupi Paryaya Utsava is a biennial festival held in the temple town of Udupi in Coastal Karnataka. The colourful Paryaya Festival, where officiating priests from one of the Ashta Mathas hand over their responsibilities to other pontiffs, beckons thousands of devotees from all over the country every alternate year.
Background
Udupi town has eight Mathas (religious institutes). They are: Puttige, Palimaru, Adamaru, Shirur, Pejavara, Sodhe, Kaniyuru and Krishnapura. Each Matha is headed by a seer or Swamiji. Together known as “Asthtamathas” these Mathas manage Udupi Sri Krishna Temple on a rotational basis.
Paryaya Utsava
Celebrations and rituals of Paryaya Utsava start from early morning. The Swamiji of next Matha to take over temple management takes holy dip and is taken to Sri Krishna temple in a palanquin. A procession and cultural shows accompany this commute to the temple. At the Sri Krishna Temple, current Swamiji who needs to hand over the management performs multiple rituals and hands over key control elements like keys to the shrine, Akshaya Patra and other pooja elements. A public function and durbar is held later in the day for the benefit of devotees attending the festival.
Celebrations
During Paryaya Utsava, Udupi city decks up to its best. Several shopping, food festivals and entertainment options will be available to visitors as part of Paryaya celebrations.
Nearby
Malpe, Kapu beach and lighthouse, St Mary’s Island are some of the attractions to visit near Udupi.
How to reach
Udupi is 400 kms from Bengaluru. Mangaluru is the nearest airport (60 kms). Udupi is well connected via rail and road network. Several government and private buses connect Udupi to other parts of the state.
Stay
Several luxury and budget accommodations are available in Udupi town.