On Sunday, February 1st we celebrated Sri Nityananda Prabhu’s Divine Appearance Day. The festival included lots of kirtan and reading about the divine qualities and pastimes of Lord Nitai from the holy scriptures Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat and Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita. The program was wrapped up with a roaring arotik for Their Lordhips Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari and a sumptuous pradadam feast.
Nityananda Prabhu reveals the Holy Dham to Jiva Goswami
vande sri-krishna-chaitanya-
nityanandau sahoditau
gaudodaye pushpavantau
chitrau san-dau tamo-nudau
gaudodaye pushpavantau
chitrau san-dau tamo-nudau
“I offer my respectful obeisances unto Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda, who are like the sun and moon. They have arisen simultaneously on the horizon of Gauda to dissipate the darkness of ignorance and thus wonderfully bestow benediction upon all.”
–Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita: Adi-lila 1.2
Srila Janardan Maharaj leads the kirtan and discussion about Sri Nityananda Prabhu's glories
Kumkum Didi and other ladies listen happily
The gentlemen also listen attentively
We had a good turnout for this special festival
And everyone was very much nourished to hear about Nitai
Shyam Mohan Prabhu recently took initiation from Srila Janardan Maharaj
Kalinid Didi makes garlands every day for the littler deities on Their Lordships' altar
Kumaris Hari Priya and her sister Krishna Moyi
Ajita Krishna and Sakhi Charan Prabhus
Krishna Kanti Didi helping out
Srimati Sureshwari Devi, Ananta Govinda Prabhu, and Dinartihara Prabhu prepare samosas
Sada Sundari Didi also recently took initiation from Srila Janardan Maharaj
Sada Sundari Didi's son Landon was fortunate to attend
Kumari Anajali managed to complete some homework during the festival
Srimati Sanatani Devi cooking in the kitchen
Just two of the special preparations cooked for the offering
Hari Ballava and Vidura Krishna Prabhus cheerfully catch up
Gopal and Jananivas Prabhus
This time looking at the camera
Our dear dog Kumar
Divyashakti and Krishna Kanti Didis join the samosa team
Parameshwar Prabhu
Srimati Swarnangii Devi with Laksmipriya Didi
The children are looking for some attention
Many guests sat in the prasadam hall during the talk
The sound is good out there thanks to Murali Mohan Prabhu's speaker system
Sage and Brajalalana Didis interest little Deva Krishna
Dinartihara Prabhu and Hari Ballava Prabhus
Deva Krishna
He walked through the crowd again and again
Bringing smiles to everyone's faces
Sita and Anjana strike a pose.
Hari Priya and Madhu Krishna head up toward Janardan Maharaj's house
Little kids play outside during the programs
Madhu Krishna gives Deva Krishna a hug
Sita and Narayani Didis
Deva's still chasing the bigger kids
Divyashakti has been collectign flower donations from Trader Joe's
Abha Didi takes a break from cooking to catch up with Bharat Prabhu
Vrinda Didi and Hasyapriya Prabhu discuss the week's preaching programs for school kids
Gopal, Bharat, Sakhi Charan, and Premananda Prabhus
Daitananda Prabhu travelled from Chico and Sachi Didi came to cook
Dina Dayal Prabhu and Haylee play ball
So do Sada Sundari Didi and Landon
Deva Krishna
Sachi has a turn playing ball
The whole room was cheerful watching Deva play
Vrinda and Radhika Didis cook and also make the offering to Srila Govinda Maharaj at His Pushpa Samadhi Mandir
Dikshavati Devi likes to entertain the young people
Srimati Sureshwari Devi prepares for serving out prasadam
Bharat Prabhu and Dikshavati Didi try for a turn holding the baby
Murali Mohan Prabhu checks in with old friends
Deva Krishna enjoying the roaring kirtan
Dikshavati and Sushila Didis with Cinmoydev and Shambunath Prabhus
Sarvabhavana Prabhu in the back
Narayani and Vrinda Didis join the group
This group made presentations at a local high school last week
Kumari Jahnava and her father Gaur Nataraj Prabhu
Pradam was wonderful as always
After the feast there is time to associate with friends
A few people take prasadam outside, enjoying the pleasant weather
Ananda Sundari Devi and Shyam Mohan Prabhu recently joined. Welcome!
Krishna Priya and Jivana Didis taking prasadam in the temple
All glories to Sri Nityananda Prabhu!
All glories to Sri Nityanada Trayodasi!
All glories to Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj!
All glories to Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj!
All glories to all the world devotees!
Nitai Gaura Premanande!