Sri Gaura Purnima, the day when Sri Gaura Candra- The moon of Nadia appeared to extinguish the burning sensation of material life by the soothing moon rays of Congregational chanting of the holy names of Lord Hari marks an importnat day in the lives of Gaudiya Vaishnavas. This year festivals at Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Temple spanned 4 days comemorating it by a procession of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai through the streets of Delhi accompanied with Maha Sankirtan bestowing the greatest gift of holy name to the common people of Delhi. After which His Grace Mohan Rupa Das Prabhu - Temple President of ISKCON, Delhi gave a lecture on the life and teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This was the first in the series of lectures delivered everyday upto Gaura Purnima.
On the eve of Gaura Purnima, March 10, a big pandal program was arranged in the temple. The program started with Hari Nama Rock which attracted people of all ages and showed how even music can be employed in the service of the supreme lord. People could be seen tapping their feet and enjoying themselves hearing to the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. The soothing effect on the people in general was apparent. This was followed by a very culturally vibrant dance by the members of IGF. The show displayed the colorful Holi played by Krishna and the Gopis with flowers. After this the much acclaimed actors of Vaikuntha Men Group presented a beautiful drama on the Life and Teachings of Ras Khan - a Muslim by birth and a great devotee of Lord Krishna. The drama tried to show how Krishna Consciousness is not sectarian but teaches pure religion. After this Mohan Rupa Prabhu gave an enlightening lectures about the pastimes of Sri Krishna Caitanya. Krishna Prasadam was next on the menu. The program was wonderful in sense that it norished both the soul and body of the people who had taken time out to attend it. This shows that Krishna Conscious movement is a complete solution to all the world's problem.
The most awaited day was here - The auspicious appearance day of Sri Krishna Caitanya. He is non different from the Supreme Lord Krishna and his pleasure potency combined who appeared to establish the principle religion of Kali Yuga - The congregational chanting of the Holy names of
Lord Hari. The day begun with Mangala Arotik where all the devotees enthusiastically participated in greeting the lord. During the day there was continuous kirtan and Gaura-katha in the temple hall which was like nectar to the ears of the devotees. At 5:30 pm in the evening the festivities begun with the Maha-Abhisheka of Gaura Nitai. The temple was filled with devotees keen on witnessing this trancendental pastime when Lord is bathed with various items and scented waters. Hare Krishna kirtan was resounding everywhere and the blowing of conchshell continuing marking the auspicious moment to be arriving soon.
The abhisheka went for half an hour and ended with a continuous shower of flower petals. His Holiness Janananda Swami and His Holiness Maha Vishnu Swami also graced the event. After this a grand bhoga was offered to the lord including a big cake, freshly baked for the pleasure of their lordships.
The program then moved from temple hall to the pandal, where Vaikuntha Players presented an hour long drama on the pastimes of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu leading upto his acceptance of Sanyasa. His Grace Mohan Rupa Das Prabhu then ended the program with a short lecture on the ontological positiong of Sri Krishna Caitanya and thanking all the devotees who had made this big festival a success. There was a big feast later on and everyone honored prasadam upto his full satisfaction.
Thus came the end of the festival, May this pastime of Sri Krishna Caitanya goes on continuously in our hearts and help us develop pure love of Godhead.
