Gaura-purnima

Gaura-purnima is the sacred festival commemorating the appearance anniversary of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the incarnation of Krishna in the age of Kali who manifested in this world with the golden complexion of Radha. It is celebrated annually on the full moon day (purnima) of the month of Phalguna (February-March), also marking the start of the new year for practitioners of the Gaudiya tradition. In the theology of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is considered the avatar of divine mercy, who descended to teach the process of bhakti-yoga through the public chanting of the holy names (sankirtan) and the cultivation of unconditional love (prema). On this auspicious day, devotees observe a partial fast until moonrise and participate in continuous congregational chanting of the maha-mantra, readings from the Caitanya-caritamrta and Caitanya-bhagavata, and abhisheka ceremonies where the golden form of the Lord receives ritual baths of milk, yogurt, and honey. The deities are adorned with brilliant garments and fresh flowers, and a feast is offered and distributed as prasada. Observing Gaura-purnima is one of the most joyful and spiritually elevated practices of the year, through which devotees seek to renew their shelter under the mercy of Chaitanya and Nityananda Prabhu.