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The grand ritual Sri Krishna Leelotsav, as part of Sri Krishna Janmastami, which is also called “Mosarukudike Habba” was celebrated with religious fervor and cultural extravaganza. 

Sri Krishna Leelotsav, which is the main event of breaking of milk pots, signifying child plays of Lord Sri Krishna was held  in Car Street. Around 12 pots filled with curds, milk, colour water were tied to the poles and were broken by the men dressed as shepherds. 

A group of people who were half dressed with husk dress broke the hanging pots from the poles with huge bamboo sticks. The ritual was held during the procession.

Devotees and people gathered in large number around the main Car Street witnessed the great and most important annual feat. On the occasion, the presiding deity Lord Krishna was specially decorated with “Vajrakavacha Alankar” (Diamond armour). The clay idol of Lord Krishna was taken in a magnificent procession around in the Car Street  in the golden chariot. 

Before the start of the procession, “Mahamangalarathi” was performed to the clay idol kept in the chariot by participating pontiffs of Asta Mutt (eight mutt of Udupi)  followed by throwing of coconuts, fruits, eatables like laddus and other eatables and coins by the pontiffs as “Prasadam” at the huge crowd of devotees assembled at car street to witness the events.

Several folk and fancy troupes including tiger dance troupes added colour and zeal to the procession. After the procession, the clay idol was immersed in the main temple tank “Madhwa Sarover” situated adjacent to the temple. The pontiffs and the devotees also took holy dip in the tank.

A folklore touch was given to one of the chariots which was depicting a clay idol of Lord Krishna reaching out the pots hung on poles.

The Car Street was flooded with people. Police had made elaborate security arrangements in the city so that the event could be conducted smoothly. Prior to the main event, a spiritual discourse by the pontiff of Admar Mutt and cultural programmes were held. Special mass feeding was arranged on the occasion.

There were also rumours that Shiroor mutt pontiff Sri Laxmivaratheertha Swamiji is organising parallel “rathothsava” to the “rathothsava” organised by the Paryaya Sode Vadiraj mutt seer Sri Vishwavallabhatheertha Swamiji. However, Shiroor seer dropped the idea. Hence, the celebrations went off smoothly without any sort of complications and controversies.