Gaura Purnima is the auspicious appearance day of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (who is also known as Gauranga due to His golden complexion), and this year we are celebrating the 534th anniversary of His appearance on March 9, 2020. This festival also marks the beginning of the New Year for Gaudiya Vaishnavas.

The Supreme Lord Sri Krishna appeared as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to establish Sankirtana (chanting of the Holy Names) – the Yuga Dharma for this age of Kali. He appeared on Phalguni Purnima, the full moon day in the month of Phalguna, (Feb-March) in the year 1486 AD (1407 Shakabda) at Sridham Mayapura as the son of Sri Jagannath Mishra and Srimati Sachidevi. His parents named him Nimai since he was born under a Nimba (neem) tree in the courtyard of His paternal house. His appearance day is celebrated as Gaura Purnima.

On this day, devotees fast till moonrise and break their fast by taking anukalpa feast (made from non-grains).