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Radhashtami: Appearance of Srimati Radharani

Srimati Radharani personifies Krishna's internal energy, or pleasure potency. She is described as the symbol of devotional service in the highest degree, and She is known throughout the world as the most beloved of Krishna. Her name is always associated with Krishna, for devotees speak of "Radha-Krishna." Radharani is always prepared to fulfill all the desires of Sri Krishna, She is the supply source of all the demands of Sri Krishna, and She is qualified with uncommon qualities for the satisfaction of Krishna. Radhashtami is a special opportunity to glorify Srimati Radharani, under whose care one can attain perfection in devotional service.

The Appearance of Lord Krishna

Five thousand years ago Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, appeared on earth to attract the people of the world back to Him. This year the annual celebration of Lord Krishna's birthday, Janmashtami, falls on September 7

Chaturmasya 2023

“The Chaturmasya period begins in the month of Ashadha (June-July) from the day of Ekadashi called Shayan-ekadashi, in the fortnight of the waxing moon. The period ends in the month of Kartik (October-November) on the Ekadashi day known as Utthana-ekadashi, in the fortnight of the waxing moon. This four-month period is known as Chaturmasya.

Rath Yatra Festival

The journey of the chariots, a traditional Vaiṣṇava festival held every year at Jagannātha Purī in Orissa. In Purī the devotees place the immense Deity forms of Jagannātha, Baladeva and Lady Subhadrā on three towering, huge gaily decorated canopied chariots, each having sixteen wheels. Thousands of people pull these cars to the Guṇḍicā temple, where Lord Jagannātha abides for seven days, after which there is a return Ratha-yātrā to the Jagannātha Temple.

Lord Ramachandra

The Supreme Personality of Godhead incarnated Himself as Sri Rama, accepting the sonhood of His pure devotee Maharaja Dasharath, the King of Ayodhya. Lord Rama descended along with His plenary portions, and all of them appeared as His younger brothers. In the month of Caitra on the ninth day of the growing moon in the Treta-yuga, the Lord appeared, as usual, to establish the principles of religion and to annihilate the disturbing elements.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu

Lord Caitanya is Lord Krishna in the aspect of His own devotee. He appeared in Navadvipa, West Bengal, and inaugurated the congregational chanting of the holy names of the Lord to teach pure love of God by means of sankirtana. Lord Caitanya is understood by Gaudiya Vaisnavas to be Lord Krishna Himself; The Golden Avatara of the Supreme Personality of Godhead who descended into the material world 500 years ago at Sridhama Mayapur.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura

Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Goswami Maharaja Prabhupada (1874-1937) the spiritual master of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, and thus the spiritual grandfather of the present day Krishna consciousness movement. A powerful preacher, he founded sixty four missions in India.

Ekadashi

Ekadashi falls twice in month. First on the eleventh day of the waxing moon and second on the eleventh day of waning moon. Well-known as the day of Lord Hari, this is celebrated as one of the highly auspicious days suitable for fasting.

Makar Sankranti

The festival of Makara Sankranti is a fortunate time to thank the Supreme Lord for providing us with all of our needs. Grains, vegetables, milk, and all the other things we need for a happy existence are available to us by His grace only. India celebrates Makara Sankranti under a variety of names, customs, and traditions. People offer praise and prayers to the Lord.