Udupi: The city of Udupi is fully prepared for the Paryaya festival of Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha of Shiroor Mutt, who will be ascending the Sarvajna Peetha of Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt on Sunday.Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Udupi Paryaya Festival Reception Committee chairman and Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna said that since this year’s Paryaya falls on a weekend, around two to three lakh people are expected during the Paryaya procession, which features the lineage of the Shiroor Mutt, mythological depictions, and performances by cultural troupes from across the nation. The procession will begin on Janu 18 at 2am and will last for about two hours, passing through Kalpana Junction to Rathabeedi. Subsequently, religious ceremonies will be held at Sri Krishna Mutt, and the Swami will adorn the Sarvajna Peetha, he said.The Paryaya Darbar meeting will commence at 5.30am at the newly constructed stage at Rajangana, and all mutt heads and dignitaries from the region will participate. Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha of Shiroor Mutt, along with other swamis, will bless devotees while Vedic scholars will deliver discourses. Central and state ministers, as well as prominent personalities, will participate in the event, the MLA said, adding that from Jan 18, religious and cultural programmes will be held every evening for 10 days, during which many dignitaries will also be honoured with the Sri Krishna Anugraha Award.The grand entry of the swami into the city made history, with offerings flowing into the mutt since Jan 10 and continuing until Jan 17, he said. “This year’s collection of offerings is expected to set a record, supporting the feeding of at least three to four lakh devotees. Thousands of devotees are participating daily, and cultural programmes are ongoing. On the day before Paryaya, Jan 17, mass feeding will take place in various parts of Udupi. Approximately one lakh people are expected to participate. Special mass feeding will occur daily from Jan 17 to 22, with an expected participation of four to five lakh devotees,” he added.Sri Parashurama welcome towerA grand welcome tower for the Geetacharya was already constructed by the Puttige Mutt in the southern part of Udupi. A magnificent welcome tower for Lord Parashurama will be constructed at the northern entrance of Udupi city at the national highway junction by the Diwan of Shiroor Mutt, as decided by the Paryaya Reception Committee. The foundation stone will be laid for the new tower on Jan 16 at 9am.The MLA said that the Udupi Municipality released Rs 50 lakh for the Paryaya festival’s lighting decorations.
