Puṣya Abhiṣeka is not merely a festival of flowers; it is a festival of love, born from the tender desire of the gopīs to lovingly care for and decorate their beloved Krishna. In Vṛndāvana, Krishna was never seen as the Supreme Lord alone—He was the darling of the gopīs, a playful child, a mischievous boy, lovingly handled, dressed, and adored by those whose hearts existed only for His pleasure.

It is said that Krishna was just like a toy in the hands of the gopīs. Overflowing with affection, they once decided, “Let us decorate Krishna beautifully—again and again—so that He may feel our love.” From this simple yet profound desire arose the pastime of Puṣya Abhiṣeka, where Krishna is decorated profusely with flowers, ornaments, and garments, followed by joyous celebration so that all may behold His beauty.

In Śrīdhāma Māyāpur, this festival has become one of the most majestic and heart-touching celebrations of the year—and fittingly, it is the very first grand festival that welcomes the new year. It sets the tone for the months to come: devotion first, beauty in service, and love at the center.

On this auspicious Pūrṇimā day, Their Lordships were entirely draped and garlanded in flower petals of every variety—not merely wearing flower dresses, but embodying a labor of pure love. Each petal was placed by devoted hands, each garland strung with care, patience, and prayer. The result was not just beauty, but devotion made visible.

The day began even before the sun rose, with kathā and Śrīmad Bhāgavatam class by His Holiness Jayapatākā Swami Mahārāja, who spoke on the profound pastime of Devahūti and Kardama Muni—touching upon marriage in devotional life, service in the dhāma, and the deeper purpose of relationships when centered around Krishna. These reflections prepared the hearts of devotees to enter the festival mood with depth and sincerity.

As the day unfolded, devotees were blessed to behold Their Lordships adorned in magnificent white flower dresses, intricately designed with countless delicate petals arranged with care and devotion. Each detail reflected the loving effort of the devotees, and in the midst of this radiant floral setting, Śrī Mādhava shone brilliantly like a black jewel, His beauty standing out strikingly against the pristine white flowers, leaving everyone deeply absorbed in the sweetness of the darśana.

Then, at 7:00 PM, the festival reached its crescendo. The temple resounded with melodious kīrtans as ārati was offered to the Divine Couple. In that moment, it felt as though time stood still. The atmosphere was saturated with devotion, music, fragrance, and joy—transporting everyone present into what felt like a glimpse of the spiritual world.

What makes Puṣya Abhiṣeka in Mayapur especially extraordinary is that not only Chota Rādhā Mādhava receive this flower bath, but the full-sized Deities—Śrī Rādhā Mādhava, Śrī Pañca-tattva, Śrī Prahlāda Nṛsiṁhadeva, and Śrīla Prabhupāda—are all bathed in flowers. And just as importantly, every devotee present is bathed in mercy.

The celebrations continue late into the night, with hearts overflowing, faces glowing, and spirits uplifted. One leaves not tired, but fulfilled—carrying the fragrance of flowers and devotion within.

As the festival gently concludes, it leaves behind something lasting: a mood for the entire year. Puṣya Abhiṣeka opens the door to a series of divine celebrations—Vasanta Pañcamī, Śrī Advaita Ācārya’s Appearance, Śrī Nityānanda Trayodaśī, and the grand Gaura Pūrṇimā festivities—all following one after another, like beads strung on the garland of devotion.

Until next year, Puṣya Abhiṣeka reminds us of a simple truth taught by the gopīs themselves:
Krishna is conquered not by opulence, but by love—and love is best expressed through heartfelt service.

Dear Beloved Devotee and Well-Wisher,

May Lord Śrī Krishna and Mother Ganga shower their blessings upon you.
Wishing you a blissful, auspicious, and prosperous New Year 2026.

At the divine confluence of the Bay of Bengal and Mother Ganga rests Gangasagar Dham—celebrated in the scriptures as a holy tīrtha that can wash away the accumulated sins of innumerable lifetimes.

During the annual Gangasagar Mela on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti, millions of sādhus and tīrtha-yātris travel great distances—many walking for days, some sleeping beneath the open sky, others elderly, fragile, hungry, thirsty, or physically exhausted. Yet all of them come with one profound aspiration: purification of the heart, spiritual upliftment, and the hope of receiving the Lord’s mercy in this holy dhām.

Scriptures narrate how King Bhagirath brought Mother Ganga to earth and liberated his forefathers. Gangasagar, further sanctified by the intense tapasya of Lord Kapila Muni, is described in Vedic śāstra as a sacred place where bathing on Makar Sankranti bestows peace, prosperity, auspiciousness, and liberation from material suffering.

On this very day, the Sun enters Uttarāyaṇa—a supremely auspicious moment that even Bhīṣma Pitāmaha waited for before leaving his earthly body.

Across India, this festival is celebrated under many names—Poush Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri, Magh Bihu, Uttarayan, Khichdi, Pedda Panduga—yet everywhere its essence remains one: charity, compassion, purification, and devotion.

ISKCON Gangasagar Seva Camp

This year once again, ISKCON Gangasagar is setting up a devotional seva camp on the banks of Mother Ganga to lovingly serve thousands of pilgrims with:

Hot, nutritious prasādam

Shelter and resting facilities

Spiritual association

Medical care

Gītā-dāna and vastra-dāna

Drinking water and sanitation

Compassionate assistance

This divine mission can be accomplished only through the generous support of devotees and well-wishers like you.

The Glory of Bengal
The Vedic Center for Culture & Education

International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Founder-Ācārya: His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda

Address:
Hare Krishna Land, Road No. 5, Near Helipad
Village, PO & PS: Gangasagar Coastal
24 Parganas (South), West Bengal – 743373

Contact:
iskcongs@gmail.com

97353 33511 / 98744 37164
www.iskcongangasagar.com

About the Pilgrims

During the Mela, pilgrims arrive weary—often elderly or ill, many having walked barefoot for miles. They seek:

Hari-kathā

Harinām-saṅkīrtan

Blessings and guidance

Prasādam and drinking water

Medical assistance

A moment of spiritual refuge

Your support offers nourishment, relief, dignity, and upliftment to thousands.

The scriptures declare:

“Tīrtha-kurvanti tīrthāni sādhavaḥ”
It is the saintly devotees who sanctify the holy places.

Serving pilgrims is therefore serving the Lord Himself. As Krishna assures in the Bhagavad Gītā (9.26):
“Patram puṣpam phalam toyaṁ…”—even a leaf offered with devotion is lovingly accepted by Him.

Seva Requirements for Gangasagar Mela 2026

To organize the ISKCON Gangasagar Mela 2026 Seva Camp, we humbly require ₹50 lakhs, covering:

Prasādam distribution

Accommodation and kitchen setup

Sanitation and drinking water

Vastra-dāna & Gītā-dāna

Medical assistance

Volunteer services

Prasādam Seva Goal

1,50,000 pilgrims

₹30 per prasādam plate
(Rice, dal, sabji, pickle/halwa)

Served from early morning till midnight

Special Donor Facilities (First Time Ever)

Sponsor 7,000 meals (₹2,10,000 and above):

AC Super Deluxe Guest House accommodation

Donor banner display

Opportunity to personally serve pilgrims

Sponsor 1,000 meals (₹30,000):

VIP Tent accommodation (common toilets)

Donor banner display

All donors receive:

Personalized appreciation letter

Sealed bottle of Holy Ganga water

Sanctified prasādam packet

A Humble Appeal

Imagine an elderly pilgrim who has walked for two days…
A mother shielding her child from icy winds…
A sadhu relying entirely on the Lord’s mercy…

When such pilgrims receive warm prasādam, shelter, water, or even a gentle smile—that moment becomes your seva. The Lord sees it, and Mother Ganga lovingly witnesses it.

With Gratitude

On behalf of ISKCON Gangasagar, we sincerely thank you for your trust and support. With folded hands, we invite you to join this sacred mission of compassion and devotion.

Please support according to your capacity.

For assistance:
Shri Sundar Govind Das – 97353 33511 / 98744 37164
iskcongs@gmail.com

May Lord Kapila Muni and Mother Ganga bless you and your family with devotion, protection, prosperity, and spiritual happiness in the New Year.

Your insignificant and ever-grateful sevak,

Shri Sundar Govind Das
Temple President
ISKCON Gangasagar International

Tax Benefit

All donations toward annadāna are eligible for 80G tax exemption (India).

http://www.iskcongangasagar.com/gs-mela-2026.html

As this year slowly comes to a close, many of us are quietly reflecting…on all that has passed, all that we have learned, and all that we are carrying forward. A new year is not just a change of date—it is a fresh step into the unknown. And in moments like these, it feels comforting to begin with the Lord—with prayer, gratitude, and surrender.

On 1st January, we will be offering a special puja to Lord Narasimhadev 

with a simple yet heartfelt prayer: that He walks with us as we step into 2026, protecting, guiding, and blessing us—both spiritually and materially.

We may not know what the coming year holds… but when Krishna is placed at the beginning, the journey feels lighter, safer, and filled with hope. We lovingly invite devotees, friends, well-wishers, and donors from around the world to join us in this offering—to pray for ourselves, our families, our loved ones, and all those close to our hearts.
 

Click here to participate: https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/New-Year

Let your first expense of the year bring you all auspiciousness. Let it be an offering made with faith, humility, and love.

Start 2026 with Their Blessings 

and allow Lord Narasimhadev to lead you through the year and the many years ahead. We welcome you to be part of this sacred beginning.
 

Any amount is most welcome and will be used in service for the pleasure of Sri Sri Radha-Madhava!

Need any assistance in Mayapur, feel free to write to us at donorservices@mayapur.com or whatsapp to +91-9733578071.
 

Yours in service

Gopijana Vallabha das

Division head -Mayapur Tourism

ISKCON Mayapur

www.mayapur.com

Over 500 years ago, in the sacred land of Navadvīpa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Krishna, appeared as Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Taking on the golden hue of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, He descended to distribute the yuga-dharma—the congregational chanting of the holy names. Through His boundless compassion, He transformed hearts through kīrtana, love, and devotion, opening the doors of bhakti to the entire world.

Śrīla Prabhupāda repeatedly expressed his heartfelt desire:
that all devotees gather every year in Śrī Māyāpur-dhāma—especially during the time of Gaura Pūrṇimā—to receive mercy, recharge spiritually, and deepen their connection with the mission of Lord Caitanya.

Following in his footsteps, we extend a warm and loving invitation to you and your family to join us for:

GAURA PŪRṆIMĀ FESTIVAL 2026
31 January – 5 March · Śrī Māyāpur Candrodaya Mandir
 

For guest House Booking
Rooms are filling quickly. Reserve early:
mghb108@gmail.com

For donations, sponsorships, and inquiries:
donorservices@mayapur.com

You may offer support for:
Prasādam distribution
Parikramā arrangements
Kīrtana Melā
Sravaṇa Utsav
Abhiṣeka & Festival Seva
General Gaura Pūrṇimā Festival support

Every contribution—large or small—is a direct service to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and deeply appreciated.

Come and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Lord Caitanya’s eternal home, together with thousands of devotees from all over the world. Deepen your bhakti, and be part of the most cherished festival of the year.

Your servants,
ISKCON Śrī Māyāpur

As we approach the sacred occasion of Gītā Jayanti on Mokṣadā Ekādaśī, our hearts naturally turn toward the divine moment when Lord Krishna personally spoke the Bhagavad-gītā to Arjuna. Srila Prabhupada reminds us:

“Because Bhagavad Gita is spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one need not read any other Vedic literature. One need only attentively and regularly hear and read Bhagavad Gita.”

For over 30 years—since 1994—the Bhaktivedanta Gita Academy (Mayapur) has been enriching countless lives through the teachings of the Bhagavad-gītā As It Is. Their courses, including the Gita Study Course and others, are carefully designed to benefit everyone—whether a newcomer or a seasoned practitioner. These systematic studies help devotees deepen, mature, and strengthen their Krishna consciousness in a heartfelt way.

We know the Bhagavad-gītā is widely known, yet often misinterpreted. Srila Prabhupada emphasized that his purports are not his own speculation but express the essence given by our previous ācāryas. Around 1970 in Indore, at a grand Gita Jayanti gathering with many speakers, Srila Prabhupada’s clear and authoritative presentation exposed the flaws of the mental speculators present there.

He powerfully instructed us:

“Anyway, print books, distribute profusely, and that will be the best preaching work. What will your three minutes’ preaching do? But if they buy one book, it may turn their life… Make this your important task, to print our books… and distribute widely… our process is slow but sure.”

Here in Sri Mayapur, Gita Jayanti is celebrated joyfully for three days—pandals, bookstands across the campus, harinam, and (especially) book distribution. On the main day, a fire yajña is performed while devotees chant all 700 verses of the Bhagavad-gītā. Visitors, residents, and pilgrims spend the day immersed in transcendental bliss.

This year, if you are not able to personally go out for book distribution, you can still fully participate by sponsoring Bhagavad-gītās for distribution in places where Krishna’s teachings have still not reached strongly. Your sponsorship ensures the Gita goes to villages, schools, remote locations, and receptive hearts waiting for Krishna’s words.

Even one Gita can change a life.

If you feel inspired, you can contribute here:
https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Gita-Jayanti

Thank you for your kind-hearted support. May Sri Krishna bless you on this sacred Mokṣadā Ekādaśī with wisdom, devotion, and the joy of sharing His message.

Hare Krishna dear devotees,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

We warmly invite you to join us in Rajapur on November 26th for the auspicious Odana Ṣaṣṭī Festival of Sri Sri Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra Devi. On this sacred day, the Lords receive Their first winter garment, a beautiful tradition lovingly described in Sri Caitanya-caritāmṛta. Remembering how Pundarika Vidyanidhi received special mercy on this day, we pray that this festival brings deep blessings to all our hearts.

Festival Schedule:
8:00 – Bhagavatam Class by HH Subhag Swami Maharaj
9:00 – Darshan Arati
9:30 – Drama, Śloka Offerings & Dances
11:00 – Bhajans
11:45 – Offering of Bhoga brought by devotees
12:00 – Kirtan till 1 PM

If you feel inspired to serve Their Lordships personally, you may sponsor any of the festival sevas. You can explore the options here:
https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Odana-Sasti

Your heartfelt contribution helps keep this beautiful service to Lord Jagannath alive.

Hope to see you in Rajapur!

Your servant,

Vijaya Yātrā Praṣṭhān 2025!

Yesterday was a very special day here in Śrīdhāma Māyāpur. The temple was filled with colourful rangolis, joy, emotion, and a deep sense of purpose as we gathered for the Vijaya Yātrā Praṣṭhān — the official send-off for this year’s Sankīrtan party. Instead of the usual Śrīmad Bhagavatam class, the community came together to offer prayers, blessings, and encouragement to the devotees preparing to go out and distribute Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books during the annual book marathon.

The program began with a yajña, where everyone joined in prayers for protection and success. After that, we all took darśana and joined in āratī, filling the temple with kīrtan and heartfelt devotion. Senior devotees then spoke words of wisdom and inspiration, reminding us that book distribution is not just an activity — it is an act of compassion, a way of sharing Krishna with the world.

Here in Māyāpur, distributing Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books is at the very heart of our mission. Some devotees will travel across India, meeting people from all walks of life, while others will continue distributing books right here within the campus — but the mood remains the same: to give everyone an opportunity to come closer to Krishna.

Śrīla Prabhupāda often emphasized that if someone simply sees or holds one of his books, they receive benefit — and if they read it, their life can transform. So every book given is like planting a seed of bhakti in someone’s heart.

As the Sankīrtan team begins their journey, we send them forward with our prayers and gratitude. May Lord Caitanya, Lord Nityānanda, and Śrīla Prabhupāda guide them, protect them, and allow them to touch many hearts.

We look forward to welcoming them home again around Gaura Pūrṇimā, filled with realizations, mercy, and stories of how Krishna worked through them.

All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.

All glories to the Sankīrtan devotees.

Bhisma Panchaka in Mayapur! || How to observe Bhishma Panchaka

The last 5 days of the month of Karttika are traditionally known as the Bhishma Panchaka or the Vishnu Panchaka. Grandfather Bhisma fasted for these five days, preparing to give up his life. In the Hari BhaktiVilasa, it is said that if one is capable, one should observe fasting from certain foodstuffs on the Bhishma-panchaka for the pleasure of the Lord. This is optional. “The fast should begin by remembering Bhismadeva on the Ekadasi day and should end on Purnima [the full moon]. The Padma Purana say that one pleases the Lord and makes spiritual advancement by such austerities.

Various Levels of fasting:

Type 1

One can eat products of the cow for each day:

First day: Cow dung (Gomaya)

Second day: Cow urine (Go-mutra)

Third day: Cow milk (Kshiira)

Fourth day: Cow yoghurt (Dahi)

Fifth day: All products of the cow mixed (Pancha-gavya)

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Type 2

If one can’t follow level 1 then please take fruits and roots.

Fruits with lots of seeds should be avoided like guava, pomegranate, cucumber etc. Boiled potatoes, raw banana and sweet potato can be taken. We can use sea salt for taste. Cashewnuts (PLAIN) raisins, dates can be taken. Milk products to be avoided.

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Type 3

If one can’t follow level 2, one can take “Havishya.”

References: Padma Puraana, Brahma-khanda, Chapter 23; Skanda Puraana, Vishnu Khanda, Kaartika Maahaatmya section, Chapter 32; Garuda Puraana, Puurva Khanda, Chapter 123.

Ingredients for Havishya as mentioned in Sri Hari-bhakti-vilasa (13.10-13)

The following are ingredients that can be used in making Havishya, which is

like a khichari made with these items.

Aatap rice

Unadulterated Ghee from cow

Saindhava salt (sea salt)

Milk from cow

Milk with cream

Ripe Banana

Kaala-Shaaka

Wheat

Fruits (Skanda Puraana, Naagara Khanda says they must be with a small seed

or with few seeds only)

Mango

Jackfruit

Labali fruit

Roots except kesa grass root

Pippalii

Haritakii

Naagaranga

Ikshu-dravya or sugarcane derivatives (other than gur or mollasses)

No oil in any form

The following ingredients though part of Havishya need to be avoided in the month of Kartika:

Mung dal, Til oil, Beta-shaaka, Shashtikaa-shaaka, Radish, Jeeraa, Tamarind

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Special Offerings to the Lord during these days

Following flowers to be offered to the Deities during the Bhishma Panchaka days as per Garuda Purana.

First day: one must offer padma (lotus) flowers to the feet of the Lord.

Second day: one must offer bilva (wood-apple) leaves of the thigh of the Lord.

Third day: one must offer gandha (scents) to the navel of the Lord.

Fourth day: one must offer java flower to the shoulders of the Lord.

Fifth day: one must offer malati flower to the head (siro-desa) of the Lordship.

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Ideally, one should take bath in Ganges or the other holy rivers every day and offer tarpana 3 times for Bhismadeva by saying the following mantra:

Tarpana

om vaiyaghra padya gotraya

samkrti pravaraya ca

aputraya dadamyetat

salilam bhismavarmane

Arghya

vasunamavataraya

santanoratmajaya ca

arghyam dadami bhismaya

ajanma brahmacarine

Pranam

om bhismah santanavo birah

satyavadi jitendriyah

abhiradbhiravapnatu

putrapautrocitam kriyam

Sri Mayapur Dham, the spiritual headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), recently witnessed a heart-touching and memorable celebration of Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Day — a day that evokes both gratitude and reverence in the hearts of devotees worldwide.

A Morning of Love and Remembrance

The day began early at 7:00 a.m., as hundreds of devotees gathered to participate in a beautiful Harinam procession, carrying Srila Prabhupada’s murti on a gorgeously decorated palanquin. The procession gracefully made its way to the Srila Prabhupada Samadhi Mandir, accompanied by joyful chanting of the holy names, kartals, and mridangas that filled the air with transcendental vibration.

Devotees, godbrothers, disciples, well-wishers, and senior Vaisnavas walked together — each step offered in love and gratitude. The atmosphere was surcharged with devotion as flower petals showered the palanquin, honoring the great soul who brought Krishna consciousness to every corner of the world.

Remembering the Acharya Who Transformed the World

Throughout the celebration, everyone was reminded of the incredible contribution Srila Prabhupada made — not only to ISKCON, but to all of humanity. His compassion, courage, and dedication awakened spiritual consciousness globally, fulfilling Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s prophecy that “in every town and village, the holy name of Krishna will be heard.”

Many senior devotees, disciples, well-wishers, and godbrothers shared heartfelt memories and realizations about Srila Prabhupada — each one a living testimony to his ongoing spiritual presence and the transformative power of his mission.

A Glimpse Into His Life Through Drama

In the afternoon session, the Mayapur Youth presented a captivating drama depicting the life of Srila Prabhupada — from his early years in Calcutta to his extraordinary journey across the seas and the establishment of ISKCON worldwide. The performance beautifully portrayed his faith, struggles, and surrender to Krishna, leaving everyone deeply inspired.

Honoring the Next Generation

A special highlight of the celebration was the award ceremony for Mayapur school children, recognizing their creativity, enthusiasm, and devotion. These competitions and activities were inspired and encouraged by HG Jamāshtami Prabhu, a dear disciple of Srila Prabhupada, who has been consistently guiding and urging that the children be actively engaged and carried along in such meaningful ways.

Under his inspiration, many children participated in art competitions, essay writing, reading sessions from Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta, and other devotional presentations, all centered on learning and nurturing seeds of devotion that will continue to blossom as they grow.

Evening of Devotion

As the sun began to set, the celebrations resumed at 5:00 p.m. with soulful kirtans, enlightening kathas, and a heartfelt offering of lamps. The temple courtyard glowed with hundreds of diyas, symbolizing the light of bhakti that Srila Prabhupada kindled in millions of hearts around the world.

His Eternal Presence in Mayapur

Though Srila Prabhupada’s physical presence departed this world in 1977, his spiritual presence continues to illuminate Mayapur and the hearts of devotees everywhere. His teachings, his books, and his example live forever, guiding generations on the path of bhakti.

“He lives forever by his divine instructions, and the follower lives with him.”

As the day concluded with the chanting of the holy names and the sweet remembrance of Srila Prabhupada, it was clear that he was truly there — smiling upon his spiritual family, pleased to see the mission of Lord Caitanya flourishing with such love and unity.

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada

All glories to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, who gave the world the holy name, the light of divine knowledge, and the eternal hope of returning home, back to Godhead.

We humbly invite all ISKCON devotees worldwide to join the 21st Sri Kshetra Parikrama — a sacred journey around the holy land of Sri Jagannath Puri Dham, personally walked by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Himself.

This special Parikrama is a wonderful opportunity to remember the divine glories of Lord Jagannath and experience the mercy of Lord Gauranga amidst inspiring kirtans, enlightening talks, and the loving association of devotees.

For registerations, please contact your preferred group below!

Contact Details:
Bangla Group – ISKCON Mayapur: 9434140178 / Mayapur Namahatta: 6295353278
skpbanglagroup@gmail.com

Hindi Group – 9593648074
skphindigroup@gmail.com

Odia Group – 9437264454
hemaharipada.jps@gmail.com

South Indian Group – 9232253602
skpsouthindiangroup@gmail.com

We look forward to your blessed participation in this beautiful offering of devotion.