Dear Friends
Hare Krishna
It is described that Jagannath Ratha-yatra has been a huge festival since the Dwapara-yuga (the previous age) but at the beginning of this age, the Kali-yuga, Lord Caitanya transformed the festival by displaying unprecedented mercy and love.
Lord Caitanya made the Ratha-yatra a time for Vaisnavas from all over to come together and chant and dance in front of Lord Jagannath. He organised specific kirtan groups and He personally lead the dancing. By His influence, the Ratha-yatra became a celebration of Vaisnava sanga too. This year we are blessed to observe the appearance of Lord Caitanya just two days before the Durban Festival of Chariots. With this coincidence, we can remember Lord Caitanya's mood of how he brought all the devotees together during the time of the Ratha-yatra.
Following in His footsteps, I look forward to chanting and dancing with you, and all the other devotees coming from far and wide, in front of Lord Jagannath's chariot.
Sri Gaura Purnima Festival Guide
#Mercyshallfall and flood and inundate all who celebrate this festival.
Wednesday, 23 March
Fast until moonrise
4:30am Mangal-arati (kirtan by His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami)
7:00am Class by His Holiness Bhaktimarg Swami
8:00am Greeting Sri Sri Radha Radhanath in Their new outfit
8:10am Srila Prabhupada's guru-puja & kirtan
6:00pm Break fast prasada
(Ekadasi menu. Prasad will be served until 7pm)
7:00pm Sandhya-arati (kirtan by Bhaktimarg Swami)
7:40pm Abhisek (Bathing ceremony of Sri Gaurahari)
8:10pm Class by His Holiness Jayadvaita Swami
9:00pm Sayana-arati & kirtan
9:15pm Prasada serve out continues
Your servant,
Vibhu Caitanya Das
Your Week Ahead
Saturday, 19 March
Ekadasi - Fast from all grains, beans and legumes.
7:45am Srimad Bhagavatam Class by His Holiness
Bhakti Caitanya Swami
Sunday, 20 March
Break fast: 05:59 - 08:03
3:00pm Love Feast with Kadamba Kanana Swami
5:00pm Radio Lotus interviews Bhakti Caitanya Swami
about the Durban Festival of Chariots
Monday, 21 March
7:45am Srimad Bhagavatam Class by Bhakti Caitanya Swami
Tuesday, 22 March
7:45am Class by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta
Swami Prabhupada
Wednesday, 23 March
Sri Gaura Purnima - Appearance Anniversary of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
Fast until moonrise
See program above.
Thursday, 24 March
Jagannath Misra Utsav - The Festival of Jagannath Misra
7:00am Greeting Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Radhanath
7:05am Srila Prabhupada's guru-puja
7:30am Dramatic rendition of Lord Caitanya's birth and the celebration of
Sri Jagannath Misra by Bhaktimarg Swami
9:00am Breakfast prasada feast
Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Phone Lines
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An alternate number: 031-4033359
Durban Festival of Chariots Highlights
