Srila Prabhupada Vyasa Puja celebrations begin!

A s an offering to Srila Prabhupada on the 50^th Golden anniversary of ISKCON Sri Mayapur will be celebrating His appearance day for 1 week. The first celebration began with Bhakti Vedanta National School honoring our Founder Acharya’s appearance day. The program began with senior devotees glorifying Srila Prabhupada. The program was presided by Sri Basu Ghosh prabhu, HG Sankarshan Dasa prabhu, HG Sacimata mataji, HG Jananivas prabhu, HG Sankarshan Nitai prabhu and many senior devotees of ISKCON Mayapur. The students rendered the song, “yadi prabhupada na hoito” written by HH Jayapataswami to glorify Srila Prabhupada.

Students also wrote their vyasapuja offerings, which were compiled as BVNS Prabhupada Vyasa Puja book & it was offered to Srila Prabhupada by HG Jananivasa das. After the glorification, Abhisheka of Srila Prabhupada was performed, followed by bhog offering, puhspanjali and Maha arthi. The parents brought variety  bhoga for Srila Prabhupada. Feast was served to all the participants.

Srila Prabhupada Vyasa puja celebrations by Dham Seva Samiti:

Day 2 of Vyasa puja celebrations took place at Srila Prabhupada Pushpa Samadhi Auditorium.

Eminent personalities from various walks of society – senior educationists , top administrative officials, columnists, scholars, performers, revered people from judiciary, and many direct disciples of Srila Prabhupad attended the programme. The programme started with “Sasti vachan” presented by the students of Gurukul and lighting of lamps by senior devotees. HG Sankarshan Nitai Das, MAC member welcomed the guests.Next the audience was left spellbound when renowned Bengali singer , Haimanti Shukla rendered bhajan and Hari nama in her captivating voice.

In the opening speech, HG Basu Ghosh Das, Vice Chairman of ISKCON Bureau India and also President of ISKCON Baroda temple shared his personal experience with Srila Prabhupad way back in 1974 when he met him for the first time. Although an American by birth, Das gave his speech in Sanskrit and recalled how he was deeply influenced by Srila Prabhupad’s simple way of explaining the highest spiritual knowledge. Further, he shared Srila Prabhupad’s vision of reviving the practice of Sanatana Dharma by spreading the message of pure love for Lord Krishna. Srila Prabhupad emphasised on living a simple lifestyle and instructed his disciples to practice sadhana bhakti, japa, listen to the glories of the Lord and distribute Krishna Prasad to every living entity of the world, informed Das. He said that moving forward ISKCON aims to spread the Sankirtan movement ( congregational chanting) to every household of the globe. Siraj ul Islam, prominent columnist discussed about the relevance of Bhagavat Geeta and the role of Srila Prabhupad in spreading it. He strongly expressed that the teachings of Lord Krishna in Bhagavat Geeta is not restricted to any one specific religion. Dr.Ashok Das, Principal, Assannagar Tarkalankar College, Nadia, eulogised the efforts of Srila Prabhupad in uniting the people of the world under the umbrella of ISKCON. He narrated the early life , treacherous journey of Srila Prabhupad to United States on the ship named Jaladuta and the giant achievements that followed. A documentary on the life of Srila Prabhupad was shown to the audience.

HG Jagadhartiha Das, coordinator of the program mentinoed that Srila Prabhupada will stay in the hearts of the people of the world as the person who dedicated his entire life in integrating the diversified masses by promoting the culture of universal brotherhood. Das said, under Srila Prabhupad’s direction, ISKCON as a society has taught the world to break the barriers of caste, color, creed, nationality and unite together to please Lord Gour Hari as is mentioned in Srimad Bhagavatam that the only aim of a living entity should be “ Hari tosanam”- satisfying The Lord Hari. He thanked all the key speakers, volunteers and people for participating in the program.

Program was shown on broadcast at local cable channels through mayapur.tv.

Day 3 of Vyasapuja celebrations saw all the Brahmacaris of Mayapur coming together to offer their gratitude & glorification to Srila Prabhupada.

Take part in Vyasapuja celebrations! Want to know how? Click here:  https://www.mayapur.com/2016/srila-prabhupada-vyasapuja-offering/