Vaishnava festival
Gaura Pūrṇimā: the appearance of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu
The full moon on which Caitanya Mahāprabhu appeared, the one who spread the chanting of God’s names.
What is celebrated
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu appeared in 1486 in Navadvīpa, in Bengal, on the full-moon night of the month of Phālguna. There was an eclipse and, as was the custom, people were in the Ganges chanting the names of God: He was born in the midst of that chanting.
Gaura means “golden”, for the colour of His skin, and pūrṇimā means full moon. His followers consider Him Krishna Himself, who came in the role of His own devotee to teach by example how God is loved.
This date also marks the start of the year in the Gaudiya calendar.
How it is celebrated
- Devotees fast until the moon rises.
- Kīrtan is sung all day, because that is what He came to give.
- In the evening the forms of Gaura and Nitāi are bathed and ārati is held.
- The fast is broken with a simple meal without grains; the feast is the next day.
- In Māyāpur, where He appeared, devotees gather from all over the world.
In 2026 it falls on 3 March 2026, according to the calendar calculated for London. In 2027 it will be on 22 March 2027. Vaishnava dates follow the moon and change every year: check them in the calendar. Each temple organises its own programme; ask at your nearest one.