‘Utlotsavam’ steals the show at ISKCON festival
The ISKCON temple in Tirupati celebrated Sri Krishna Janmashtami with a traditional 'Utlotsavam' or 'Dahi Handi' event. Local youth participated in the festivities, which also coincided with the birth anniversary of the ISKCON founder.
Why it matters
The event highlights significant cultural and religious observances in India, drawing large crowds and requiring local police coordination for public safety.
‘Utlotsavam’ or ‘Dahi Handi’ turned out to be the major attraction at the three-day ‘Sri Krishna Janmashtami’ festivities at the Lotus Temple maintained by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Tirupati on Friday (September 6, 2026).
Local youths jumped merrily into the ring to try their luck at beating the pot tied at a height, where they formed vertical pyramids to reach the top. The traditional festival is performed every year on the sprawling ground abutting the temple to celebrate the event observed during Lord Krishna’s childhood, which is followed even today in Vrindavan.
The youths, braving the gush of water poured on them in an apparent bid to dissuade them, climbed atop the pyramid and bagged the pot tied at the summit, indicating their victory.
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