#### Grand Procession in Udaipur Marks Vallabhacharya Prakatya Utsav Today

Udaipur, The city of Udaipur came alive with devotion, music, and spiritual enthusiasm today as thousands of devotees gathered to celebrate the Prakatya Utsav (divine appearance day) of Shri Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu, the revered founder of the Pushtimarg sect of Hinduism. This auspicious day was marked with a grand procession, devotional programs, and the spirit of unity among Vaishnav devotees from across the region.

In the lead-up to the event, a detailed planning meeting was organized under the aegis of the International Pushtimargiya Vaishnav Parishad. During the meeting, the ceremonial poster featuring the divine image of Mahaprabhuji was unveiled by State President Jayantilal Parikh and City President Bhuvanesh Bhai Shah, setting the tone for the sacred festivities.

Grand Procession from Shrinathji ki Haveli

This evening, after the divine Bhog Aarti Darshan at the iconic Shrinathji ki Haveli, a grand and decorative procession (shobhayatra) was taken out. According to Media In-Charge Lalit Parakh, the procession featured traditional Rajasthani bands, three decorated horses, two chariots bearing the images of Shrinathji and Mahaprabhuji, and a large gathering of devotees.

Men dressed in pristine white clothing with symbolic uparnas (shoulder drapes) walked in reverence, while women holding mangal kalash added grace and sanctity to the event. The air was filled with devotional chants and the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments, turning the city lanes into a spiritual tapestry.

The procession route began at Shrinathji ki Haveli and covered notable areas including Jadion Ki Ol, Ghantaghar, Bada Bazaar, Bhadbhuja Ghaati, Teej Ka Chowk, Asthal Mandir Tiraha, and Kheradiwada, before returning to the starting point.

Upon return to the haveli, the festivities concluded with Shayan Darshan of the deity, followed by an emotional session of Bhajan and Kirtan. Devotees were then served prasadam, a blessed food offering, as a part of the spiritual celebration.

Behind the Celebrations

The seamless organization of the entire event was made possible through the tireless efforts of the organizing committee. Leading the preparations were Secretary Sunil Parakh, Treasurer Lalji Sahu, and team members Rajesh B. Mehta, Rakesh Parikh, Navneet Parikh, and Krishnadas Parakh, who ensured that every detail was handled with devotion and precision.

Legacy of Vallabhacharya

Shri Vallabhacharya (1479 CE), born in Champaran, is one of the most revered spiritual leaders in Hinduism. The name ‘Vallabh’ means ‘beloved’, and he is considered dearly beloved by Lord Krishna and all his followers. He established the Shuddhadvaita philosophy (pure non-dualism), emphasizing loving devotion (bhakti) to Lord Krishna as the ultimate path for spiritual elevation.

A spiritual genius, he began studying the four Vedas at the age of seven and later mastered the six systems of Indian philosophy. He was also known for his intellectual prowess, having famously won theological debates in the court of Krishnadevaraya, the emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Vallabhacharya was also recognized as the final acharya of the Vishnuswami Sampradaya, and later went on to establish the Pushtimarg tradition under divine instructions from Shrinathji himself. During his lifetime, he undertook three all-India pilgrimages and delivered discourses on the Bhagavata Purana at 84 sacred sites, now known as the Baithaks.