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.

Śrīla Prabhupāda Connect Day is an initiative to help devotees deepen their relationship with Śrīla Prabhupāda—not just as a historical figure, but as our eternal guide, well-wisher, and spiritual master. This special day is part of the ISKCON Global 60–50 initiative, commemorating 60 years of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s miracles that continue to shape lives all over the world.
 

On 9th February 2026, devotees remember, honor, and reconnect with Śrīla Prabhupāda through association, hearing, kīrtana, and shared realizations. The day was designed to remind us how Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mercy is still active and how his vision continues to guide ISKCON today.
 

The day began early with Maṅgala ārati, darśana ārati, and Śrīmad Bhāgavatam class from His Divine Grace Śrīla Prabhupāda. This beginning set the mood for the entire day. Shortly after, HG Gauranga Dās Prabhu from Govardhan Eco Village gave a brief and inspiring presentation on the preservation of rare manuscripts and sacred texts, lovingly handed over by HG Jahnaviās Prabhu. These valuable works are now being preserved and made digitally accessible to the public, ensuring that Śrīla Prabhupāda’s legacy continues for generations to come.
 

This was followed by ārati by HG Rameshwar Prabhu and a procession to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s room at the Lotus Building, creating a deeply emotional and prayerful atmosphere. From there, the main event began, featuring senior Vaiṣṇavas, devotees, and students sharing realizations on Śrīla Prabhupāda’s life, miracles, compassion, and unstoppable mission.

Throughout the day, speakers reflected on how Śrīla Prabhupāda empowered ordinary people to do extraordinary service, how humility and cooperation were central to his teachings, and how sincere devotional practice attracts Krishna’s mercy. Kīrtans, talks, and panel discussions reminded everyone that what Śrīla Prabhupāda began is not finished—it is only expanding.
 

Śrīla Prabhupāda Connect Day is not just a program—it is a reminder. A reminder to stay connected to our spiritual roots, to appreciate the sacrifices of Śrīla Prabhupāda, and to carry his mission forward with sincerity, unity, and gratitude.

To catch up: https://www.youtube.com/live/wNhfCZJgesM?si=Tbpugo6h11Wef-bK
 

Hare Kṛṣṇa 
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.