Grassroots Initiative Revives Udupi's Deepotsava Festival

In Udupi, India, a grassroots initiative called Karthika Deepa is working to revive the traditional Deepotsava festival. Launched about four years ago by two local youths, the initiative is now being led by conservationist and vaastu consultant Tejaswi S Acharya.

Acharya explains that while Udupi is home to an estimated 1,600 temples, only 20% are classified as A-grade, and many others lack the resources to celebrate even essential festivals. Under the banner of Udupi Darshan, Karthika Deepa aims to donate sets of 1,008 mud diyas, 2,000 cotton wicks, and five liters of til/sesame oil to at least 50 temples this year.

"Our goal is not just to light lamps, but to spark hope in communities," says Acharya. By combining faith, craftsmanship, and community support, Karthika Deepa is more than a festival—it is a movement towards preserving Udupi's cultural heritage and empowering local artisans. The initiative has already reached 230 temples over the past four years, helping revive Deepotsava in places where celebrations had stopped due to financial constraints.

Acharya hopes that by demonstrating how Deepotsava can thrive with small contributions, local communities will continue the practice in the years ahead, ensuring the spirit of the festival continues to shine brightly for generations to come.