Kundapur; Nov 19: “Vokli seve” ( colored water thrown at one another on a festive occasion ) on the very next day of Koteshwara’s “Kodi Habba” the famous carnival has been observed with great pomp and devotion by the natives of Thekkatte and Markodu residents for the last several years.
For the success of this eventful programme, number of hands is rendering their services in different activities without expecting anything in return as their service towards God.
Out of these services, Babu Acharya’s , a resident of sihineeru thodu in Kumbri village, selfless service of filling the Vokuli pond with water without expecting anything in return is outstanding, remarkable and unique for the last 43 years. In this way Babu Acharya has been rendering a feast of vokuli experiences to the thousands of devotees.
Babu Acharya, who is in his 69 now, has been rendering this selfless and divine service since 1970, when Halasinakatte Manjunatha Rao was the management administrator and still the service is being continued.
Diesel mechanic by profession, in earlier days they used to fetch water from far away reservoir. Gradually, they started filling vokuli pond with water through diesel engine. Presently by purchasing electrical motor pump and pipes by spending from his own pocket, he is rendering his service during festive period. He had been felicitated and honored three times on behalf of temple.
In ancient times, vokuli game was also given same predominance as that of other festivals but now the importance of vokuli game has been diminished. In view of attracting and create more awareness, colourful and attractive fountains have been created since last year’s festival of Vokuli.
This year also by creating colourful, attractive fountains on Vokuli seva day, devotee’s hearts have been lured and appreciated and lauded by all the devotees. Every year his five children have been assisting, co-operating in their father’s mission of rendering vokuli seva.
Vokuli Seve is an important religious work. In this work of God without expecting anything in return and as far as I am healthy, capable of rendering the service of filling the vokuli pond, I keep on doing and even my children are co-operating, assisting me in this service, said Babu Acharya.
It was believed and custom that after week long celebration of festival, before retiring for rest, God will play with devotees in vokuli pond. This tradition is being in practice in all the temples. In order to attract the devotees, selfless service of Babu Acharya is appreciated and highly commendable, said M.Prabhakara Shetty, Moodugopady, president of temple’s management committee.
