Krishna-Radha Shobhayatra Highlights 28th Sri Krishnaloka in Puttur

Puttur, 5 September 2026: Thousands of children dressed as Lord Krishna and Radha joined a colourful procession as Vivekananda Shishu Mandira at Parladka Shivapete celebrated its 28th annual ‘Sri Krishnaloka’ as part of Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations on September 4.

Programme was organised by the Sri Krishna Janmashtami Committee of Vivekananda Shishu Mandira, functioning under the Vivekananda Vidyavardhaka Sangha, in association with Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple. Celebrations began at the Shishu Mandir premises with prayers, registration of children dressed as Krishna and Radha, and bhajans by students. Formal programme commenced with the lighting of the lamp and floral offerings to an image of Balakrishna.

As part of the cradle ceremony, Shishu Mandira Treasurer Chandraprabha Satish performed arati for the mother of the baby participating in the ceremony and presented her with bagina. Six-month-old child of Mahesh and Geetha of Kunjurpanja was placed in the cradle by Sudha Rao and Raji Balaram Acharya. Krishna Loka Committee Treasurer Raksha fed the child butter, while members of the Matru Mandali and mothers swung the cradle and sang lullabies.

Krishna-Radha Shobhayatra

Krishna-Radha Shobhayatra began from the Shishu Mandira premises after former MLA Sanjeeva Mathandur broke a coconut to mark its commencement. RSS leader Achyutha Nayak handed over the flag. Procession passed through the road in front of Chetan Hospital, Court Road and the main road before concluding at the Rathabeedi of Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple.

Thousands of children dressed as Krishna and Radha participated along with their parents. Children carrying flutes and dancing in Krishna costumes, along with dance bhajans, conch-blowing and chende performances, added to the festive atmosphere. A religious meeting was held at the temple Rathabeedi following the procession.

ShishuMandira provides value-based education: Ishwara Bhat

Inaugurating the meeting, Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple Management Committee President Panjigudde Ishwara Bhat said Sri Krishna is regarded as a teacher who conveyed the essence of life to humanity through the Bhagavad Gita. He described Sri Krishnaloka as one of the major Janmashtami celebrations in the taluk and said the programme organised through Vivekananda Shishu Mandira has grown into a major annual event.

Ishwara Bhat said the Shishu Mandira provides children with an early introduction to Hindu cultural and moral values. He also highlighted the role of the institution's management and teachers in teaching child's values and ways of life referred to in the Bhagavad Gita. He appealed to the gathering to extend support to the renovation and Brahmakalashotsava programmes of Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple.

Education-support initiative: Prasanna Darbe

Sri Krishnaloka Committee Honorary President Prasanna Darbe said Vivekananda Shishu Mandira is one of the institutions of which the Vivekananda Vidyavardhaka Sangha is proud. He said the institution focuses on providing education suited to children's interests and works towards nurturing children with a sense of responsibility towards the country.

Prasanna Darbe said Sri Krishnaloka has been successfully organised for the past 27 years and has become one of the prominent programmes of the institution. He said the surplus generated from the programme has been used for the Shishumandira's food-service initiative. A new initiative has been planned this year also under which funds collected from the public will be deposited in the name of the temple, with the interest income being used to support education. He appealed to the public to support the initiative.

‘We must stand up when religious values are attacked’: Krishnakumar Shetty

Presiding over the programme, Vivekananda Vidyavardhaka Sangha President Krishnakumar Shetty Kadaba said there was a need for greater awareness among the younger generation about religious traditions and values.

He alleged that Hindu religious practices and the Bhagavad Gita are sometimes criticised in the name of secularism and expressed concern over what he described as opposition to religious practices from sections of the administrative system.

Religion, he said, should be understood as a matter of fundamental faith rather than confused with superstition. He called upon people to develop respect for their religious traditions and said they should set aside political differences and oppose actions that undermine religious faith.

‘Bhagavad Gita gives courage and inspires work’: Poornathmarama

Delivering the keynote address, Poornathmarama of Ishwaramangala said agricultural land should not merely be viewed as property for commercial transactions but should be preserved for future generations. He described the Bhagavad Gita as a source of inspiration for hard work and said its teachings provide mental strength and courage.

Referring to criticism of the Bhagavad Gita, he made allegations concerning those who have criticised the text and said its teachings should instead be conveyed to children through institutions such as Vivekananda Shishu Mandir. He urged society to support the educational institution and help children develop strong life values.

‘Sri Krishnaloka reflects Indian tradition’: Chetan Prakash Kaje

Chief guest Dr Chetan Prakash Kaje, Managing Director of Dhanvanthari Clinical Laboratory, said Sri Krishna conveyed the message of Dharma to the world and served as a guide to an ideal way of life.

He said the Sri Krishnaloka programme provides a living representation of Indian tradition. He noted that the event has continued for 27 years with the selfless service of a team of young volunteers and has established a place in the minds of the public. Such programmes, he said, can contribute to strengthening social values.

Vivekananda Shishu Mandir President Rajagopal Bhat, Coordinator Akshay Kumar, Treasurer Chandraprabha Satish, Sri Krishnaloka Committee Joint Secretary Ajith Rai Hosamane and Treasurer Raksha S.R. were present on the dais.

Sri Krishnaloka Committee President Harshakumar Rai Madavu welcomed the gathering, while General Secretary Brijesh Rai Sanangala proposed the vote of thanks. Vishwa Hindu Parishad city unit president Damodara Patali and Lakshmiprabha compered the programme.

Vinay Bhandari, Santhosh Kumar Rai, Mohan K., Mallesh, Gangadhara Acharya, Ramesh Prabhu, Kishore Kumar, Rekha and Ashok Balnad welcomed the guests with shawls. Prizes were distributed to all children who participated in the celebrations dressed as Radha and Krishna.

Keywords

Sri Krishnaloka Puttur, Vivekananda Shishu Mandir, Puttur Janmashtami, Krishna Janmashtami Puttur, Krishna Radha Shobhayatra, Puttur Krishna celebrations, Parladka Shivapete, Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Vivekananda Vidyavardhaka Sangha, Puttur cultural events, Puttur Suddi, Puttur News Today, Citizen News Puttur