Hare Krishna Devotees!

Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

On Wednesday, March 11th, we will be celebrating Srivas Thakur’s appearance day. *Please join us at the temple on this special day for the program at 4pm.*

We welcome all the devotees to come hear the glories of Srivas Thakur and participate in the wonderful service of bathing Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s Padukas with Ganga jal in honour of the appearance day of Srivas Thakur, by whose mercy we can receive the shelter of Lord Krsna’s lotus feet.

All devotees are also welcomed to prepare and bring bhoga for the pleasure of our Lordships Sri Sri Pancatattva.

Please join us to celebrate Srivas Thakur with your friends and families for the mercy of Panchatattva!

We will have space blocked off for all the devotees so that everyone can gather comfortably and take part in the program.

We hope to see you there!

Your servants,

Pancha-tattva festival celebration team

With the Garuda-Dhvaja Flag Lowering Ceremony on March 5th, the auspicious month-long Gaura Purnima Festival 2026 in Sri Mayapur Dham has come to a beautiful close. This sacred period, filled with devotion, kirtan, and service, brought together devotees and well-wishers from all around the world to celebrate the divine appearance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Over the past weeks, the dham has been vibrant with spiritual activities and celebrations. The festival season began with the Garuda-Dhvaja Flag Hoisting Ceremony, marking the official start of the festivities. Devotees then participated in the sacred Navadvipa Mandal Parikrama, walking through the nine holy islands of Navadvipa and reliving the divine pastimes of Lord Gauranga.

Throughout the festival, many wonderful events took place, including:
Sravan Utsav and Kirtan Programs
Sri Radha-Madhava Boat Festival
Santipura Festival
Ganga Puja
Gaura Purnima Adhivasa
The Appearance Day of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, celebrated with abhisheka, kirtan, and a grand festival program
Jagannath Misra Festival Feast, honoring the father of Lord Chaitanya
And finally, the Garuda-Dhvaja Flag Lowering Ceremony, marking the conclusion of the celebrations.

This year’s festival was especially inspiring. During the closing ceremony, it was shared that 5,206 sets of Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita were distributed, an increase of 1,300 sets compared to last year. Such wonderful service reflects the growing enthusiasm to share the mercy of Lord Gauranga with the world.

During the final gathering, co-directors and senior leaders offered heartfelt words of gratitude, reflecting on the incredible success of this year’s festival and the collective effort that made it possible.

We would like to take this opportunity to deeply thank all our donors, supporters, friends, and well-wishers who came forward to serve and support the Sri Gaura Purnima Festival 2026. Through your generous contributions—whether through seva, sponsorship, or heartfelt encouragement—you have helped make these celebrations possible for thousands of pilgrims and devotees.

Your support allows these sacred festivals to flourish and ensures that the mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu continues to reach hearts across the world.

We look forward to welcoming you again in the coming festivals and in Gaura Purnima 2027, with even more opportunities to serve, celebrate, and share the joy of devotional life.

Special Gaura Purnima Message 2026
We also invite you to watch this special Gaura Purnima message by Brajavilasa Das.

In this inspiring talk, he reflects on the life, teachings, and unlimited mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who spread the chanting of the Holy Name throughout the world.

He also shares an exciting reminder that the Pancha Tattva and all our beloved Mayapur Deities will be relocated to Their new home in the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium in 2027, the 50th Disappearance Anniversary year of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Watch the full message here: https://youtu.be/kOcuPZ0Mwz0?si=sLD8d6XJJ3LUI9W6 

Upcoming Events
As we move forward from the wonderful Gaura Purnima festival season, we warmly invite you to stay connected and participate in the upcoming auspicious celebrations in Sri Mayapur Dham.

March 11 – Appearance Day of Srivasa Thakura
March 15 – Papamochani Ekadashi
March 27 – Rama Navami
March 29 – Kamada Ekadashi & Vyasa-puja of Jayapataka Swami

We look forward to welcoming devotees and well-wishers to join these sacred observances and continue celebrating the joy of devotional service together.

Thank you for being part of this divine celebration.

On the auspicious occasion of Gaur Purnima (3/3/2026), GITA, is releasing Teaser on 'तीर्थ बने महातीर्थ’ (Holy to the Holiest), Mega Docu-Drama Series of more than 10 Hours on Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's visit to South India, showing pastimes, history, glory & how to reach each of the 55 Holy places visited by Him, which became Holiest by His Divine Touch.
 

A Trailer in Song Form (with English Sub-titles) will be released before Gaur Purnima.

Later, Series will be released in South Indian, Bangala, Odia, Regional & foreign languages.
 

Kindly be in touch at You Tube Channel 'GitaGaurang’ and Web-site 'GITA.TV’, for knowing vital Information & platform on which Series will be released.

Kindly like, subscribe & spread the Teaser, in your circle.

https://youtu.be/2OlfAmO-KdM

Sri Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "Oh Supreme Lord, I have heard from You the explanation of Amalaki Ekadasi which occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Phalguna (February–March), and now I wish to hear about the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March–April). What is its name, Oh Lord, and what results can one attain by observing it?"

The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna, replied, "O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall gladly describe to you the glories of this Ekadasi, which is known as Papamochani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the Emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Rishi.

King Mandhata addressed the Rishi, 'Oh great sage, for the benefit of all people, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra, and please explain the process for observing it. Also, please describe the benefits one gains by observing this Ekadasi.'

"Lomasa Rishi replied, 'The Ekadasi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Chaitra is named Papamochani Ekadasi. For the faithful devotee it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. Oh lion among men, this Ekadasi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires, purifies one's life of all sinful reactions, and makes a person perfectly virtuous.

"'Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadasi and Chitraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas (heavenly musicians). During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Chitraratha once came upon a beautiful forest bursting forth with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined the Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Everyone felt that there was no better garden than this forest. Many sages were also present, performing their austerities and penances. The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Chaitra and Vaisakha (April–May).

"'A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest, and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosha, contrived many ways to allure the exalted Muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of ascetics, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste unguent. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Shiva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi. (see footnote 1)

"'Using the eyebrows of Manjughosha as a bow, her glances as a bowstring, her eyes as arrows, and her breasts as a target, Cupid approached Medhavi in order to tempt him to break his trance and his vows. In other words, Cupid engaged Manjughosha as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana's thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi's staff, and sitting handsomely in the ashrama of Chyavana Rishi, Manjughosha came before him.

"'She began to sing seductively, and the small bells of her belt and around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. The sage Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant Cupid increased his attraction for Manjughosha by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.

"Slowly Manjughosha approached Medhavi, her bodily movements and sweet glances attracting him. She gracefully put her tamboura down and embraced the sage with her two arms, just as a creeper winds itself around a strong tree. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her, and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time. (see footnote 2)

"'Seeing that the young yogi's sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosha decided to abandon him and return home. She said, "O great one, please permit me to return home."

"'Medhavi replied, "But you have only just arrived, O beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow."

"'Fearful of the sage's yogic power, Manjughosha stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, "Please permit me to leave."

"'Medhavi replied, "O dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayatri mantra. Please wait until then."

"Manjughosha was still fearful of the sage's great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, "How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me."

"The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosha and then said with great astonishment, "Why, I have spent more than fifty-seven years with you!" His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosha as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. "You rascal woman! You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes! Trembling with anger, he cursed Manjughosha, "Oh sinful one, Oh hard-hearted, degraded one! You know only sin! May all terrible fortune be yours! Oh rascal woman, I curse you to become an evil hobgoblin — pishacha!"

"'Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosha humbly beseeched him, "Oh best of the brahmanas, please be merciful to me and revoke your curse! Oh great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results, but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, Oh master, so please be kind to me!"

"'Medhavi Muni replied, "Oh gentle lady, what can I possibly do? You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra there is an all-auspicious Ekadasi that removes all one's sins. Its name is Papamochani, Oh beautiful one, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form."

"'With these words, the sage left at once for his father's ashrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Chyavana Muni said, "Oh son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities."

"Medhavi replied, "Oh Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosha."

"Chyavana Muni answered, "Dear son, you must fast on Papamochani Ekadasi, which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be."

"Medhavi followed his father's advice and fasted on Papamochani Ekadasi. Thus all his sins were destroyed, and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosha observed the same fast and became free of the hobgoblin curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position."

Lomasha Rishi continued, "Thus, Oh king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamochani Ekadasi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed."

Sri Krishna concluded, "Oh King Yudhishthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamochani Ekadasi obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, or having sex with his guru's wife. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamochani Ekadasi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious."

Thus ends the narration of the glories of Chaitra-Krishna Ekadasi, or Papamochani Ekadasi, from the Bhavishya-uttara Purana.

Footnotes

After Lord Shiva lost his dear wife Sati at the sacrificial arena of Prajapati Daksha, Shiva destroyed the entire arena. Then he brought his father-in-law Daksha back to life by giving him the head of a goat, and finally he sat down to meditate for sixty thousand years. Lord Brahma, however, arranged for Kamadeva (Cupid) to come and break Shiva's meditation. Using his arrows of sound, taste, touch, sight, and smell, Cupid attacked Shiva, who at last awoke from his trance. He was so angry at being disturbed that he instantly burned Cupid to ashes with a glance from his third eye. Back to the story.

Female association is so powerful that a man forgets his time, energy, possessions, and even his own identity. As it is said in the Niti-shastra, striya charitram purushasya bhagyam daivo vijanati kuto manushyah: "Even the demigods cannot predict the behavior of a woman. Nor can they understand the fortune of a man or how it will determine his destiny." According to Yajnavalkya Muni, "A (celibate) person who desires spiritual life should give up all association with women, including thinking of them, seeing them, talking with them in a secluded place, taking service from them, or having sexual intercourse with them." Back to the story.

25th of February was a normal day. Maharaj was in a nice mood; we went to Mangal arti and came back to the apartment at the MVT for chanting. Maharaj told me that he will not go to Srimad Bhagavatam class today. Later, as usual, he gave me some errands to run. He had his breakfast Prasad while I went to the restaurant to have mine. Maharaj also told me to contact our usual auto/toto driver, Gopal, since he wanted to go to Loi Bazaar to settle some bills and to get some first class rose and sandal incenses.

So, after 2:30 pm, we set out for Loi Bazaar. We went to Ganga Prasad shop first and then to Radha Rasabiharilal to settle those bills. Then we went to Ranganath temple because Maharaj wanted some south Indian style lamps. We looked for those in the shops in front of the temple, but with no success. Then Maharaj said we will have darshan of Ranganath in the temple. Gopal told Maharaj that if we go from the front gate, we will have to walk a lot while from the back gate, there is less to walk.

However, Maharaj insisted on going from the front gate; he said that darshan of the Supreme Lord is not cheap; one has to take some trouble to go to see the Lord. With that mood, we started to walk through the gates of the temple and Maharaj felt a bit exhausted by doing so. He told me that he will not be able to walk that distance back, so I should tell the driver to come pick us up from the back gate. We had darshan and Maharaj gave a donation of Rs 1000. On our way back, Maharaj was feeling uncomfortable. He wanted to go back to the MVT but we still had to get the incense. We went back to Loi Bazaar, got samples of the incenses and then we came back to the MVT.

Once at the apartment, Maharaj said he will rest. I asked him about Prasad; he told me he will not eat anything now. Maharaj was also planning to go for a “motorized” Govardhan parikrama (as he calls it) the next day at 6:30 am. I asked Maharaj about breakfast Prasad for the next day; he said to get anything I like, he will think about it the next day itself. I had dinner Prasad, packed something for the next day and came back to the apartment. I checked on Maharaj; he was sleeping and I went to my room. At night, Maharaj called me and asked for some juice from the fridge. I gave him, he drank and went to bed again.

The next day, on the 26th of February, I woke up for mangal arti, got ready and saw that Maharaj was still resting. I preferred not to disturb him and started chanting in my room. At around 5 a.m., I went to check on Maharaj again and saw that he was still resting and did not seem well. So, I called the MVT manager and told him that Maharaj will not be able to go on parikrama; hence we will not need the car.

Later Maharaj walked to the kitchen to have juice; I helped him to get the juice and back to his bed. During the day, Maharaj would be resting and he would be calling my name every 30 minutes or every hour. And when I would go to see him and tell him that I am here, he would say nothing. Sometimes, he would struggle to sit and I would help him. Many times, I could hear him taking the Names of Krishna. During my service to Maharaj for many years, we had had such episodes, even more severe. But Maharaj always managed to recover.

In the evening, I went to get Prasad from the restaurant at around 7 pm. I got the Prasad packed and came back to the apartment at around 7:30 pm. I checked on Maharaj and he appeared to be resting peacefully. I had my Prasad and then went to see some devotees who came from Bareilly. I came back to the apartment at 8:30 pm and took some rest on the couch outside of Maharaj’s room. Normally, when Maharaj was sick like that, I used to sleep just outside his room when we would be in Vrindavan.

After a short while, I was intrigued that Maharaj had not been calling me for quite a long time. This was around 9 pm. I went in Maharaj’s room and called him. I shook him gently and saw that he was not responding. I felt something was really wrong and I was overcome by fear and confusion. I called Sankarshan Prabhu, a devotee from San Diego, who came to give Maharaj some Lakshmi for Radha Giridhari’s silver paraphernalia that Maharaj wanted to be made. He came and checked his pulse, but there was no sign of any heartbeat.

I went to the reception to ask if any doctor could come. The receptionist gave me a number but no one picked the call. Then I called Pancagauda Prabhu and told him about the situation. He said that he will be sending some devotees. I also informed HH Bhakti Anugraha Janardana Maharaj. After a short while, a doctor came and confirmed that Maharaj had left his body.

Maharaj was so immersed in the service of Sri Sri Radha Giridhari and of Srila Prabhupada. He was always thinking about giving the best to Their Lordships and he never missed an opportunity for sharing Prabhupada’s pastimes. He came to India after 2 years to finally go back to the eternal pastimes of Sri Sri Radha Giridhari.

HH Badrinarayan Swami Maharaj ki jay!
Srila Prabhupada ki jay!

With just FOUR DAYS LEFT until Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s divine appearance day, the spiritual heart of Mayapur is beating stronger than ever.

And today — we celebrate the beautiful Boat Festival.

Throughout the year in Mayapur Dham, many wonderful festivals take place — each one glorious in its own time. The Boat Festival… the majestic Elephant Procession (Gaja Vahana Utsava)… the sacred Ganga Puja… Jula Yatra… and so many more. These festivals unfold across the calendar, each with its own sweetness.

But during Gaur Purnima, something extraordinary happens.

During this sacred festival period, you can experience a glimpse of all these celebrations together. It is like the essence of Mayapur Dham condensed into these powerful days. If you are not able to be here throughout the year, Gaur Purnima is your opportunity to witness the heart of Mayapur in one divine, unforgettable season.

The Boat Festival today is just one jewel in this grand garland of celebrations. It will be followed by the Elephant Procession — Gaja Vahana Utsava — then Ganga Puja, immersion ceremonies, and so much more, all leading us to the grand climax on 3rd March — Gaur Purnima.

And, tomorrow, the 28th of February, we observe the Shantipur Festival, where thousands of pilgrims gather at the home of Madhavendra Puri to honor the historic kitchari prasadam offering. 

What makes this festival especially merciful is the divine promise associated with the prasadam. Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said that anyone who gives or receives prasadam here on this sacred day will receive Krishna-prema — the pure love of God.

Throughout the entire day, tens of thousands of people are lovingly fed kitchari Prasadam — cooked, offered, and distributed with devotion — and the mood of kirtan, blessing, and spiritual emotion fills the atmosphere.

This is why these next four days are so important.

Thousands of pilgrims are already here. Thousands more are arriving. Seva is expanding by the hour — prasadam distribution, deity seva, personal pujas,  — everything is happening now!

And with only four days remaining, this is truly a moment most valuable!

If you have been thinking of contributing…
If you have been wanting to be part of this celebration…
If your heart feels even a small inspiration…

This is the time.

Your support right now — in these final four days — will make an immediate and tangible difference. It will directly help serve the devotees who have come from near and far to honor Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Even if you cannot be physically present in Mayapur, you can still be spiritually present through your offering.

Please visit the page or click the link below to contribute toward the Gaur Purnima festival:

https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Gaura-Purnima-Day 

These four days are precious. Rare. Powerful.

Let us come together and make this Gaur Purnima truly glorious — for the Lord, for the devotees, and for the world.

Yesterday we didn’t just remember; we brought alive the life and legacy of Bhakti Tirtha Swami, one of the most impactful leaders in the history of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. It was not just a formal observance. It felt personal. It felt alive. His presence was deeply felt in the hearts of all the devotees who came together to honor him.

Bhakti Tirtha Swami Maharaj was a disciple of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, and he carried that connection with strength and authenticity. What made him stand out was not only his leadership or scholarship, but his heart. He spoke openly about pain, about struggle, about healing. He addressed issues many were afraid to touch—race, leadership failures, emotional wounds, and the responsibility of spiritual communities to truly care for their members.

In his autobiographical work The Black Lotus, he shares his journey from a challenging childhood in America to becoming a respected spiritual teacher. The book is raw and honest. It shows how spiritual life is not an escape from hardship, but a way to transform it. In Spiritual Warrior, he writes about leadership and integrity, encouraging devotees to confront their own ego, purify their intentions, and serve with courage and compassion.

He consistently emphasized devotee care long before it became widely discussed as a structured initiative. For Maharaj, community development was not about numbers or expansion. It was about relationships. He would say that we must treat one another in such a way that our own spiritual growth feels connected to the growth of the person next to us — that real spiritual life cannot thrive in an atmosphere of neglect or fear. He wanted communities where devotees felt safe, respected, and valued — where honesty was welcomed and healing was possible.

He also played a significant role in developing communities in Africa and other parts of the world, working to empower local leaders and encourage self-sufficiency. He believed leadership meant responsibility, accountability, and service — not control.

Yesterday’s memorial reflected that spirit.

The day began with a procession led by his disciples, well-wishers, and senior sannyasis. The Harinam was joyful and strong, filling the streets with kirtan as devotees walked together. There was something powerful about seeing so many generations united — seniors who had worked alongside him, disciples shaped by his guidance, and younger devotees who know him through his books and stories.

When the procession reached the venue, the program continued with kirtan and heartfelt reflections. Speakers shared personal experiences — how Maharaj corrected them, encouraged them, challenged them, and believed in them. Many spoke about how he made them feel seen. Not managed. Not used. But genuinely seen.

The discussions were long, but no one seemed restless. It felt important to revisit his contributions — his preaching, his writing, his emphasis on accountability in leadership, and his insistence that compassion is not optional in spiritual life.

The Pushpa Abhishek was simple but moving. Devotees offered flowers with gratitude. An ecstatic kirtan followed, full of energy and emotion. There were tears, smiles, raised hands, and deep appreciation. It did not feel heavy. It felt grateful.

The day concluded with prasadam, shared conversations, and quiet reflection.

Bhakti Tirtha Swami Maharaj left behind more than books and projects. He left a way of thinking — that spiritual communities must be healthy internally, not just active externally. That real strength includes vulnerability. That leadership requires self-examination. That caring for devotees is not a side topic; it is central.

Yesterday’s memorial showed that his influence is still very much present — not in abstract words, but in the way people continue to try to build communities with more maturity, more responsibility, and more heart.

His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami Maharaj Ki Jai!

In the teachings of Harinama Cintamani, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura explains that the Holy Name is not different from the Lord Himself. Whether chanted softly on beads as japa or sung together in kīrtana, the Holy Name is complete, spiritual, and full of mercy. By attentive chanting, the heart becomes purified and gradually develops genuine attraction for devotional service.

It is in this spirit of chanting and service that the Gaura Pūrṇimā Festival Season has now officially begun in Sri Dham Mayapur.

A Sacred Beginning in Śrī Dhāma

Yesterday, the traditional Garuḍa flag was raised, marking the formal inauguration of the festival season. Each year, this moment signals the beginning of the weeks leading up to Gaura Pūrṇimā, when thousands of devotees and pilgrims from around the world gather in Māyāpur.

This year’s Garuḍa flag was specially handcrafted and painted by the Mayapur Divine Threads team. Their careful and devotional effort added a personal touch to this important annual tradition.

The morning began with darśana-ārati, followed by a procession of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to the Lotus Park, where the flag-hoisting ceremony took place. Hundreds of devotees assembled for the occasion. The ceremony opened with Swasti-vācana prayers, invoking auspiciousness for the festival period ahead.

With the raising of the flag, the Gaura Pūrṇimā Festival Season was officially declared open.

Honoring the Legacy and Vision

In his opening address, Mayapur’s Co-Director, HG Subhekṣaṇa Prabhu, welcomed the GBC members, sannyāsīs, leaders, and devotees who had gathered for the occasion. He expressed appreciation for the global devotional community that comes together each year to celebrate the appearance of Lord Gaurāṅga.

HH Bhakti Puruṣottama Swami Maharaj reflected on the steady growth of the festival over the years. He spoke about earlier times when attendance was small and how, by the blessings of Śrīla Prabhupāda, the festival gradually expanded into an international gathering. His reflections highlighted how development in Māyāpur has taken place through cooperation, service, and dedication.

HH Lokanātha Swami Maharaj described Māyāpur as a place where devotees from many countries assemble under one spiritual purpose — chanting the Holy Name. He reminded everyone that through nāma (the Holy Name), one becomes connected to dhāma (the Lord’s abode), and that sincere chanting brings one closer to the Lord’s shelter.

Other senior Vaiṣṇavas, including HH Jayapatākā Swami Maharaj, emphasized unity, service, and loving exchanges among devotees. The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium was mentioned as a shared offering of devotion — a collective effort meant to serve Lord Caitanya and fulfill the desire of Śrīla Prabhupāda.

The overall mood of the gathering was one of gratitude and shared responsibility. The festival is not simply a yearly event; it is an opportunity for devotional service centered on the Holy Name.

The Chanting Marathon Begins

As part of the festival’s inauguration, a special book distribution marathon of Sri Caitanya-caritamrita was announced. Devotees were encouraged to distribute transcendental literature widely, helping bring Lord Gaurāṅga’s teachings into more homes.

Śrīla Prabhupāda consistently emphasized that distributing spiritual literature is an extension of kīrtana. In this way, the message of the Holy Name continues to reach people everywhere.

Kīrtana Mela Adhivāsa – Beginning the Evenings of Chanting

Later in the evening, the Kīrtana Mela Adhivāsa was held, marking the beginning of several days dedicated to congregational chanting.

The temple hall was filled with devotees eager to participate. The program began with Maṅgala-caraṇa and bhajans by HG Sachi Kumar Das, followed by meditative bhajans on the Holy Name by HG Golokanātha Das.

HH Lokanātha Swami Maharaj led a heartfelt bhajan focused on meditation on the Holy Name. HG Subhekṣaṇa Das offered a welcome address, encouraging all participants to engage deeply in the upcoming days of kīrtana.

A meaningful moment of the evening was the worship of the musical instruments, with prayers that every sound produced during the mela would be for the pleasure of the Lordships. HH Candramauli Swami Maharaj then delivered an encouraging and thoughtful address, reminding everyone of the importance of attentive chanting.

The evening also featured a mṛdaṅga presentation and other devotional offerings.

To conclude, HG Kamal Gopal Prabhu led the Adhivāsa Kīrtana. The assembled devotees joined together in chanting the Mahā-mantra, filling the hall with steady and unified sound.

The Holy Name at the Center

As explained in Harināma–cintāmaṇi, the Holy Name reveals Himself to those who chant sincerely and without offense. During Gaura Pūrṇimā in Māyāpur, this principle becomes very practical — thousands chant together, yet each devotee engages personally in remembrance and prayer.

The raising of the Garuḍa flag marks the external beginning of the festival, but it also serves as a reminder of the internal purpose: to strengthen our commitment to chanting and service.

As the flag now waves high above Śrī Dhāma Māyāpur, it silently proclaims:

Chant and be happy.
Serve and be united.

Return to the Holy Name — again and again.

Dear Division and Department Heads,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
You are warmly invited to attend the Grand Opening of the TOVP Yajna Shala on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. 
This auspicious event will include yajna ceremonies, kirtan, senior devotees’ speeches, cultural programs, and prasadam throughout the day.
 

Morning Program Highlights
•⁠  ⁠7:00 AM – Darshan Arati
•⁠  ⁠7:45 AM – Procession to the Yajna Shala
•⁠  ⁠8:15–10:00 AM – Speeches by Senior Devotees
•⁠  ⁠10:00–10:53 AM – Vastu Puja and Vastu Homa
•⁠  ⁠12:00 PM – Purna Huti
•⁠  ⁠12:30 PM – Prasadam

Evening Program Highlights
•⁠  ⁠4:00 PM – Sankirtan Yajna / Kirtan
•⁠  ⁠4:30 PM – Speeches by Sannyasis and Disciples of Śrīla Prabhupāda
•⁠  ⁠5:16–5:40 PM – Beginning of Nitya Homa
•⁠  ⁠Cultural programs, drama, kirtans, and film screening
•⁠  ⁠8:30 PM – Prasadam distribution 
 

Your presence will greatly enhance the auspiciousness of this historic occasion. Kindly attend and encourage your team members to participate as well. Please find the detailed schedule attached.
 

Your servant,
Braja Vilasa Das

Śravaṇa Utsav is one of the most anticipated spiritual gatherings during the Gaura Pūrṇimā Festival in Mayapur. Taking place just before the main festival days, it gently ushers devotees into the festive mood by immersing everyone in the nectar of hearing, association, and reflection.

Held over three days, Śravaṇa Utsav 2026 brings together 21 senior Vaiṣṇava speakers, offering one blissful ocean of hari-kathā. The festival is designed to help devotees step away from the noise of daily life and reconnect with the heart of devotional practice through Vaiṣṇava-saṅga.

Theme: “Vaishnava Ke?”
This year’s theme invites deep introspection into what it truly means to be a Vaiṣṇava—not only in philosophy, but in behavior, relationships, and daily practice.

Topics include:
Sensitivity in Vaiṣṇava dealings
Vaiṣṇava tolerance
Art of living and leaving
Performing sādhana in saṅga
“Devotees are my heart and soul”
And many more nectarean topics

Each session is carefully curated to address both the inner cultivation of devotion and the practical application of Vaiṣṇava values in community life.

Senior Speakers
Devotees will have the rare opportunity to hear from many respected and seasoned Vaiṣṇavas who have shaped the ISKCON community through decades of service and realization, including:

HH Jayapatākā Swami
HH Subhāga Swami
HG Anuttama Dāsa
HH Bhakti Dhīra Dāmodara Swami
HH Haladhara Swami
HG Rukmiṇī Kṛṣṇa Dāsa
And many more

Each speaker brings a unique depth of realization, offering heartfelt insights rooted in lived experience and deep faith.

Event Details
Dates: February 10–12, 2026
Venue: Festival Pandal, Mayapur
Live Broadcast: Mayapur TV
Languages: Bilingual lectures (English & Hindi) with live cross-translation
Prasādam: Lunch and evening prasādam provided

A Spiritual Prelude to Gaura Pūrṇimā
Śravaṇa Utsav sets the spiritual tone for the entire Gaura Pūrṇimā Festival. Through attentive hearing and association, devotees gradually become absorbed in the devotional mood, making the heart receptive to the mercy that flows during Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s appearance celebrations.

More than a series of lectures, Śravaṇa Utsav is an experience of connection—to the devotees, to the teachings, and to the spirit of bhakti itself. It gently immerses everyone in the nectar of the festive period, preparing the heart for the deeper celebrations to follow.