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.

atha bhāgavatā yūyaṁ
priyāḥ stha bhagavān yathā
na mad bhāgavatānāṁ ca
preyān anyo ’sti karhicit

You are all devotees of the Lord, and as such I appreciate that you are as respectable as the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself. I know in this way that the devotees also respect me and that I am dear to them. Thus no one can be as dear to the devotees as I am. (Srimad Bhagavatam 4.24.30)

Lord Shiva is revered as the foremost of the Vaishnavas and the eternal protector of the holy dhamas. In Vrindavan, he resides as Gopeswara Mahadeva, guarding the transcendental pastimes of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. In Navadvipa Dhama, Lord Shiva manifests as Vriddha Shiva, the protector of the dhama, residing along with his consort, Praudha Maya.

At Simantadvipa, in Rajapur, Lord Shiva is worshiped within the temple premises of Lord Jagannath. On the sacred occasion of Shivaratri, devotees and pilgrims assemble to celebrate this auspicious festival with abhisheka, hearing the glories of Lord Shiva, Harinam Sankirtan, and a Maha Yajna, all performed for the welfare of all living beings.

This year Shivaratri falls on 16th Feb and the program schedule is as follows:
10:30 am- Maha Yajna ceremony

4.30 pm- Kirtan
5:00 pm- Katha and dance
5.45 pm- Sandhya Arti
6:45 pm- Maha Abhishek

Followed by bhog offering, puspanjali and Maha arati.

For the benefit of devotees staying far away from Mayapur, Mayapur.tv will be doing a live broadcast . We shall also be posting festival pictures of the event.
You can offer abhishek ingredients, or bhog offering or send any seva of your choice for the pleasure of Lord Shiva and His devotees!

Click Here: https://www.mayapur.com/donations/donationform/general 

( Make sure to mention the purpose of your donation and any prayer you want to be read to Lord Shiva)           
If you are doing bank transfer, visit here: https://www.mayapur.com/donations/bank-details 
 

By his mercy, Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu appeared.
By his mercy, the flood of nāma-saṅkīrtana began.
By his mercy, even the most fallen souls were granted access to love of Kṛṣṇa.

Śrī Advaita Ācārya is the combined incarnation of Mahā-Viṣṇu and Sadāśiva, yet he appeared in this world as a humble devotee, solely to awaken devotion to the Supreme Lord. He appeared in Śrīhaṭṭa (present-day Sylhet, Bangladesh), in Lāuḍa-grāma, on the banks of a sacred river. Later, he resided in Śāntipura and Navadvīpa, becoming the foremost Vaiṣṇava of Navadvīpa-dhāma.

Seeing the people of Kali-yuga deeply absorbed in material life, Advaita Ācārya longed to bestow prema-bhakti, pure love of Kṛṣṇa. Liberation was easy for him to grant—but love of Kṛṣṇa is not cheap. Only Kṛṣṇa Himself can give it.

Understanding this truth, Advaita Gosāñi undertook an extraordinary act of devotion. With intense eagerness, he worshipped Śālagrāma-śilā with Gaṅgā water and Tulasī mañjarīs, fasting and loudly chanting the Holy Names. Through thunderous kīrtana and heartfelt tapasya, he declared:

“If my name is Advaita—non-different—then I will bring the Supreme Lord down.”

His cries of devotion pierced the coverings of the universe, resounded throughout Vaikuṇṭha, and reached the ears of Śrī Kṛṣṇa Himself. At the same time, in Kuliyā, Haridāsa Ṭhākura was also chanting intensely, praying for the Lord’s descent. Thus, by the combined devotion of His pure servants, the Lord confirmed His advent—as Śrī Gaurāṅga, the most merciful incarnation.

On the adhivāsa day of Lord Gaurāṅga, during the sacred fire sacrifices, devotees remembered how Advaita Ācārya’s powerful kīrtana and worship invoked the appearance of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

Although Advaita Ācārya is ontologically superior—being an expansion of the Lord—Mahāprabhu always offered him great respect, considering him senior due to disciplic considerations. Yet Advaita Gosāñi knew the truth in his heart:

“He is the Original Personality of Godhead; I am but an expansion of His expansion.”

In a well-known pastime, simply to taste the joy of being corrected by the Lord, Advaita Ācārya once spoke Patañjali yoga mixed with Māyāvāda philosophy. Hearing this, Mahāprabhu chased him with a stick, warning him never to speak such ideas again. Advaita Gosāñi was overwhelmed with bliss, for being chastised by the Lord was the highest mercy.

On this sacred day—the seventh day of the bright fortnight of Māgha—the great ocean of ecstasy swelled as Advaita Ācārya appeared from the womb of Śrī Nabhā Devī, radiant like the autumn moon. His father, Śrī Kuvera Paṇḍita, distributed abundant charity in joy. The residents of Nabagrāma marveled at the child’s extraordinary beauty, saying they had never seen such a divine infant. He was named Maṅgala, also known as Kamalākṣa.

Advaita Ācārya’s two consorts, Sītā Devī and Śrī Devī, are manifestations of Yoga-māyā. In one divine moment, Advaita Ācārya saw all the demigods gathered—not before him—but at the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya. Raising his arms in ecstasy, he declared that his life had finally become perfect, for he had directly seen the Lord whom the Vedas glorify yet cannot fully attain.

Mahāprabhu then requested Advaita Ācārya to worship Him. With tears flowing, Advaita washed the Lord’s lotus feet, offered Tulasī, sandalwood, lamps, incense, foodstuffs, and heartfelt prayers, glorifying Him as the most munificent incarnation and the revealer of the Hare Kṛṣṇa Mahā-mantra.

When Mahāprabhu asked him to ask for a benediction, Advaita Ācārya prayed only:

“May You distribute love of Kṛṣṇa even to women, laborers, and the most ignorant.”

This prayer reveals the heart of Advaita Gosāñi—mercy without discrimination.

Even today, the Nṛsiṁha-śilā and Deities worshipped by Advaita Ācārya remain in Śāntipura, and the sacred place on the banks of the Gaṅgā where he called out to the Lord is known as Bāblā, where a temple now stands in remembrance of his divine pastimes.

Advaita Gosāñi stands as the forerunner of the saṅkīrtana movement. Before the nāma-yajña, before the festivals, before the flood of mercy—he stands first.

With folded hands, devotees prayed:

doyā koro sītā-pati advaita gosāñi,
tava kṛpā-bale pāi caitanya-nitāi

Śrī Advaita Gosāñi kī jaya!
May devotion to Gaura and Nitāi forever awaken in our hearts—only by his mercy 

Finally, the first whisper of spring arrived, and on 23rd January, Vasanta Panchami was celebrated in its full grandeur at Sri Mayapur Dham.

Vasanta Panchami marks the first day of spring in India, the season of renewal, blossoming life, and gentle warmth after winter’s stillness. In Sri Mayapur Dham, this sacred day is not merely observed—it is offered, with devotion overflowing in color, fragrance, and loving service to Sri Sri Radha Madhava.

On this auspicious occasion, the altar transformed into a golden vision of spring. Bunches and bundles of fresh flowers were lovingly gathered and arranged, culminating in a breathtaking marigold petal dress that shimmered like the bright spring sun itself. The golden-yellow hues radiated warmth, joy, and divine celebration.

For an entire day prior, the students of the Mayapur Institute and the devotee community came together as one heart and one effort—bringing magic to life through seva. Every petal was placed with intention, every detail infused with love, creating not just a dress, but a living offering of devotion.

Srimati Radharani, along with Her Ashta-sakhis, were adorned in a beautiful yellow tint, embodying the spirit of Vasanta. Yellow—Vasanti Vastra—symbolizes the blooming mustard fields of Vraja, the returning warmth of the sun, and the joy of divine love awakening once more.

As Lord Krishna declares in the Bhagavad-gita (10.35):
“ṛtūnāṁ kusumākaraḥ” —
“Of seasons, I am the flower-bearing spring.”

And truly, standing before the Deities, one could feel that verse come alive.

The mukut (crowns) were exquisitely crafted—ornate, radiant, and regal—adorned with floral artistry that framed Their lotus faces perfectly. Each crown shimmered with intricate detailing, enhancing the already supremely beautiful expressions of Sri Sri Radha Madhava. Even Chota Radha Madhava appeared exceptionally enchanting, Their youthful forms glowing with a sweetness that captured every heart.

The inspiration for this divine attire was drawn from Prabhudhananda Saraswati’s Sri Vrindavan Mahatmya, where the glories of Srimati Radharani are described so poetically. It is said that the black bumblebees are irresistibly drawn only to the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani, intoxicated by Her unmatched beauty and divine fragrance—just as every soul is naturally drawn to Her loving shelter.

On Vasanta Panchami, that truth felt visible.
The altar itself seemed to hum with life, like Vrindavan in spring—where devotion blooms effortlessly and love flows without restraint.

This was not just a festival.
It was spring offered at the lotus feet of the Divine Couple!

Along with the celebration of spring and the divine beauty of Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Vasanta Panchami is also made even more auspicious by the appearances and remembrances of exalted Vaishnava personalities, whose lives embody devotion, renunciation, and pure love for Krishna.

• Srimati Vishnupriya Devi (Appearance)
The eternally devoted consort of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Srimati Vishnupriya Devi is worshiped for Her unparalleled chastity, patience, and absorption in the Holy Name. After Mahaprabhu accepted sannyasa, She spent Her life in deep separation, offering every moment in chanting and remembrance—showing the world the highest standard of quiet, unwavering devotion.

• Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami (Appearance)
One of the Six Goswamis of Vrindavan and the prayojana-acharya of our Gaudiya lineage. His life exemplifies the pinnacle of renunciation and internal service. Through his writings and example, he revealed the deepest moods of service to Srimati Radharani, guiding devotees toward the ultimate goal of pure love of God.

• Srila Raghunandana Thakura (Appearance)
A perfect example of childlike faith and simplicity. As a young boy, his loving devotion compelled his Deity of Sri Gopinatha to actually eat the offerings he prepared—demonstrating that Krishna is conquered not by ritual, but by pure love.

• Srila Pundarika Vidyanidhi (Appearance)
A most confidential associate of Lord Chaitanya and the spiritual master of Gadadhara Pandita. Mahaprabhu would lovingly address him as “Father” and would weep in remembrance of his deep devotion and refined spiritual ecstasy.

• Srila Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura (Disappearance)
One of the most profound acharyas in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. He gifted the world timeless works such as Gurvastakam, which devotees sing daily, and illuminating commentaries on the Srimad-Bhagavatam. His writings protect and clarify the pure teachings of bhakti.

• Goddess Saraswati (Worship on Vasanta Panchami)
On this day, Saraswati Devi, the goddess of learning and wisdom, is worshiped. In the Vaishnava understanding, she is recognized as a devotee of Krishna who bestows transcendental knowledge, enabling the soul to understand and glorify the Supreme Lord properly.

The air in Sridham Mayapur is changing. We are entering that sacred window of the year where the spiritual energy intensifies, beginning with the fragrant Sri Radha Madhava Pusya Abhishek and leading us into a season of unparalleled devotion.

Among these pearls of festivities, one shines with a particular mercy: Sri Nityananda Trayodasi.

In just a few weeks, we will celebrate the appearance of Lord Nityananda Rama. He is none other than Lord Balarama Himself—the original Guru, the embodiment of service, and the reservoir of spiritual strength. Without the mercy of Nitai, one cannot approach Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu or the groves of Vrindavan. He is the Adi-Guru, wandering the streets of Bengal with ankles bells jingling, begging everyone to chant the Holy Name.
 

Nityananda Avadhutendu, Vasuda-prana-vallabha Jahnavi-jivita-pati, Krsna-prema-pradayaka

"Lord Nityananda is the Moon of all Avadhutas, the dear life-breath of Vasuda (His wife). He is the Lord of the life of Jahnavi Devi and the bestower of ecstatic love for Krishna."
 

A Celebration of Two Dhams

In Mayapur, this festival is a grand symphony of splendor and soul. It unfolds simultaneously in two holiest of places:

1. Sri Ekachakra Dham: The birthplace of Lord Nitai, where the atmosphere is flooded with ecstatic Kirtan as devotees welcome the Lord back to His home.

2. Sri Mayapur Dham: Where the festivities begin with a soul-stirring Adhivas Kirtan, leading into the grand Abhishek and feast.

This year, the nectar flows from January 28th through January 31st, 2026.

As the festival approaches, we invite you to be more than a witness—we invite you to be a participant in the Lord’s pleasure. Whether it is donation towards feeding the thousands of pilgrims who journey to the Dham, Abhisheka sevas or pooja offerings. Every seva performed for Nitai returns a thousand-fold in spiritual bliss.
 

How to Contribute

If you feel the call of Lord Nityananda in your heart, please seize this moment to serve according to your means.

Donate Online: https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Nityananda-Trayodasi

For more information on specific sevas or to confirm your donation, please contact Shyamagopika Devi Dasi at +91 95934 00192

Or write to us donorservices@mayapur.com
 

Let us come together to flood the world with the mercy of Nitai. We look forward to welcoming you to Mayapur this festival season!
 

Your Servant,

Gopijanavallabha Das

Festival Committee Team

www.mayapur.com

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