Udupi: The city has been beautifully decked up for the Paryaya Peetha ascension ceremony of Sri Vedavardhana Thirtha Sripada, the 31st seer of Shiroor Matha. Saffron buntings and artistically decorated arches have come up across the city, while illumination with electric lights has transformed Udupi into a dazzling spectacle.

A grand procession of the Ashta Matha seers will be held from Jodukatte to the Sri Krishna Matha after 2.30 am on January 18. The procession will be accompanied by hundreds of tableaux and cultural troupes. Cultural programmes have also been organised at various locations across the city from 7 pm on Saturday and will continue till late night. Final preparations for all events are in their concluding stage.

Saffron flags are fluttering across Udupi city. Attractive canopy-style saffron buntings have been installed prominently at places such as Diana Circle and Court Circle.

Over 90 tableaux in procession

More than 90 tableaux will take part in the procession starting from Jodukatte after 2.30 am on January 18. Preparations for the tableaux are nearing completion.

The procession will feature drill teams, band sets, Mysuru nagari, Bharat Scouts and Guides, an elephant from Thiruvananthapuram, Thattiraya, Somakasura, stilt walkers, umbrellas, Chilipili dolls, tableaux depicting Kamsa Vadha, Somana Kunita, Brazilian doll dance, Mayavi Ajagara Samhara, giant crane models, Dhyanamalini Shapa Vimochane, Vadiraja and Mattugulla, Yakshagana, Bedara Vesha (Gandu Kale) from Sirsi, Narasimha avatar, Hulivesha, Kerala Pookavadi, Vel Murugan Kavadi Sangham, Govardhanagiri, Pooja Kunita, Sri Krishna Geetopadesha, Dhol Tasha, Mahamaya Pune, Varaha avatar, Darikasura Samhara, Holi Kunita, and bhajans by the Hare Krishna sect from Ranchi, among several other cultural tableaux.

Seers to arrive in ‘menas’

At the start of the procession, the presiding deity of the Paryaya Matha will be carried in a palanquin. This will be followed by Sri Vedavardhana Thirtha Sripada of Shiroor Matha, and subsequently the heads of Krishnapura, Palimaru, Pejavara, Kaniyooru, Sode and Adamaru Mathas, who will arrive in traditional ‘menas’.

Later, tableaux from government departments, the municipal council, dance troupes, the Urban Development Authority, Nasik dhol, Yakshagana troupes, chende ensembles, Nasik band, Prabhavali tableaux and Swachhata vehicles will join the procession.

Olipe presented to Mathas

As per tradition, during every Paryaya, the Matha ascending the Sarvajna Peetha presents ‘Olipe’ to the other Mathas. Accordingly, on Friday, Shiroor Matha presented Olipe to the Sode, Krishnapura, Adamaru, Palimaru, Pejavara, Kaniyooru and Puthige Mathas.

Olipe refers to material offerings given by the Paryaya Matha to facilitate the hospitality of devotees arriving for the Paryaya celebrations. Devotees from different parts of the region stay at various Mathas, and the Olipe includes essential items required for food, accommodation, medical care and other daily necessities.