Sunrise Team Wins Matki Phod Competition with ₹51,000 Prize

Udaipur, The three-day Shri Krishna Janmashtami fair at Pratap Gaurav Kendra ‘Rashtriya Teerth’ entered its second day on Saturday with vibrant festivities and large gatherings of devotees and tourists. Beginning on Independence Day with a flag hoisting ceremony, the fair has drawn significant attention due to its cultural and devotional attractions.

On Saturday evening, the much-awaited Matki Phod competition saw the Sunrise Team claim victory by breaking a pot placed at a height of 23 feet in the second round, earning a prize of ₹51,000. The winning team, led by captain Sandeep Salvi from Data Bhairu Chowk, Kumharwada, was felicitated by the chief guests.

Kendra Director Anurag Saxena informed that the celebrations began on Friday morning with the national flag hoisting and floral tributes to freedom fighters. The fair inaugurated later that day featured devotional stalls, children’s recreational setups, and the traditional Nauka Manoharath ritual in the Bhaktidham premises. The evening also included Raslila performances and devotional music, attended by social worker Pinky Mandawal, DSP Suryaveer Singh, and philanthropist Gunwant Kothari, among other dignitaries.

Saturday’s highlights included a Shri Krishna Leela tableau competition, inaugurated by Deputy District Chief Pushkar Lal Teli. Vidya Niketan School’s Sandipani Ashram tableau secured first place, followed by the Makhan Chor Leela tableau in second, and Shri Krishna-Sudama Milan tableau in third. Certificates were awarded to all participants, judged by Pushkar Lohar, Lalita Soni, Vilas Janve, and Rakesh Sharma Rajdeep.

The evening saw the Dahi Handi contest, with teams including Gadiya Devra, Sunrise, Annapurna, and Shri Ram Dal participating. Guests of honor included RSS Chittor Province Joint Secretary Narayan Gameti, Physical Training Chief Dr. Bharat Bhushan Ojha, Bargaon SHO Puran Singh Rajpurohit, and social activist Prof. Anil Kothari.

Earlier in the morning, a Panchamrit Abhishek of Thakur Ji was performed with devotees such as Vinod Sharma, Dr. Neeru Shrimali, Tilkesh Joshi, Digvijay Trivedi, and others participating.

The fair concludes on Sunday, August 17, with a costume competition at 2 p.m., where children and their mothers will participate dressed as Lord Krishna, Radha, Balram, and Yashoda, marking the festive finale.