We are ecstatic to report the first Gaura Pūrṇimā celebrations at ISKM Singapore after the installation of the new set of Gaura-Nitāi deities. It is the 531st anniversary of the advent of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who advented in the year 1486 A.D. This day is the New Year’s Day for all Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavas.
The festivities started at 6pm with a sandhyā-ārati, followed by a grand abhiṣeka in which every attendee was allowed to offer some milk for the Lord’s abhiṣeka.
That was followed by a cultural show which was inaugurated by an address by His Grace Sundar Gopāl Prabhu. The show then featured two dramas — one by the children’s team depicting Nimāi’s (Lord Caitanya’s) childhood pastimes and one by the adult drama team called Vaikuṇṭha Players depicting the great and dramatic pastime of the deliverance of Jagāi and Mādhāi. The audience were well entertained and educated by the cultural show. They very much appreciated the cultural show.
Sumptuous anukalpa prasādam (without grains) was served to one and all. Even an anukalpa cake that was offered to Lord Gaurāṅga was distributed to the devotees and they were stunned. The festival witnessed an attendance of about 400 people. Śrīla Prabhupāda’s transcendental books were sold to the newcomers and the attendees also donated generously towards the temple.
We have some photos from the festival here. Soon we will have two videos — one showing the overall festival and one depicting the drama The Deliverance of Jagāi and Mādhāi.
