Gaura Purnima (Monday, March 9)- The appearance anniversary of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is described in the Vedic scriptures as a covered incarnation of Lord Krishna, known as the Golden Avatar (“Gaura” or “Gauranga”). With the complexion of molten gold and the mood of an unparalleled devotee of God, he descended to earth on a full-moon night (Purnima) in the month of Phalguna more than five hundred years ago. Through his life and teachings, he epitomized that the essence of spiritual thought and enlightenment is love of God, which he widely broadcast through his disciples and followers. He initiated the sankirtan movement (“sanga” meaning group or community, and “kirtan” meaning chanting of God’s names) to encourage people to come together to glorify the Lord, which would be more potent than praying or chanting on one’s own. Through his campaigning efforts and desires to propagate Lord Krishna’s message, Lord Chaitanya transformed the lowest of men into servants of God. Therefore, it is easier to approach the Lord through His merciful incarnation of Lord Caitanya.
The day is spent in sankirtan, chanting the Lord’s holy name with others and feeling His presence. A divine bathing ceremony, called abhishek, will be held in the temple from 5–6pm. Anyone is welcome to bring food preparations and flowers and offer to Caaitanya Mahaprabhu throughout the day. Devotees fast till moon rise, and everyone is invited to a wonderful feast in the evening.