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In the teachings of Harinama Cintamani, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura explains that the Holy Name is not different from the Lord Himself. Whether chanted softly on beads as japa or sung together in kīrtana, the Holy Name is complete, spiritual, and full of mercy. By attentive chanting, the heart becomes purified and gradually develops genuine attraction for devotional service.

It is in this spirit of chanting and service that the Gaura Pūrṇimā Festival Season has now officially begun in Sri Dham Mayapur.

A Sacred Beginning in Śrī Dhāma

Yesterday, the traditional Garuḍa flag was raised, marking the formal inauguration of the festival season. Each year, this moment signals the beginning of the weeks leading up to Gaura Pūrṇimā, when thousands of devotees and pilgrims from around the world gather in Māyāpur.

This year’s Garuḍa flag was specially handcrafted and painted by the Mayapur Divine Threads team. Their careful and devotional effort added a personal touch to this important annual tradition.

The morning began with darśana-ārati, followed by a procession of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to the Lotus Park, where the flag-hoisting ceremony took place. Hundreds of devotees assembled for the occasion. The ceremony opened with Swasti-vācana prayers, invoking auspiciousness for the festival period ahead.

With the raising of the flag, the Gaura Pūrṇimā Festival Season was officially declared open.

Honoring the Legacy and Vision

In his opening address, Mayapur’s Co-Director, HG Subhekṣaṇa Prabhu, welcomed the GBC members, sannyāsīs, leaders, and devotees who had gathered for the occasion. He expressed appreciation for the global devotional community that comes together each year to celebrate the appearance of Lord Gaurāṅga.

HH Bhakti Puruṣottama Swami Maharaj reflected on the steady growth of the festival over the years. He spoke about earlier times when attendance was small and how, by the blessings of Śrīla Prabhupāda, the festival gradually expanded into an international gathering. His reflections highlighted how development in Māyāpur has taken place through cooperation, service, and dedication.

HH Lokanātha Swami Maharaj described Māyāpur as a place where devotees from many countries assemble under one spiritual purpose — chanting the Holy Name. He reminded everyone that through nāma (the Holy Name), one becomes connected to dhāma (the Lord’s abode), and that sincere chanting brings one closer to the Lord’s shelter.

Other senior Vaiṣṇavas, including HH Jayapatākā Swami Maharaj, emphasized unity, service, and loving exchanges among devotees. The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium was mentioned as a shared offering of devotion — a collective effort meant to serve Lord Caitanya and fulfill the desire of Śrīla Prabhupāda.

The overall mood of the gathering was one of gratitude and shared responsibility. The festival is not simply a yearly event; it is an opportunity for devotional service centered on the Holy Name.

The Chanting Marathon Begins

As part of the festival’s inauguration, a special book distribution marathon of Sri Caitanya-caritamrita was announced. Devotees were encouraged to distribute transcendental literature widely, helping bring Lord Gaurāṅga’s teachings into more homes.

Śrīla Prabhupāda consistently emphasized that distributing spiritual literature is an extension of kīrtana. In this way, the message of the Holy Name continues to reach people everywhere.

Kīrtana Mela Adhivāsa – Beginning the Evenings of Chanting

Later in the evening, the Kīrtana Mela Adhivāsa was held, marking the beginning of several days dedicated to congregational chanting.

The temple hall was filled with devotees eager to participate. The program began with Maṅgala-caraṇa and bhajans by HG Sachi Kumar Das, followed by meditative bhajans on the Holy Name by HG Golokanātha Das.

HH Lokanātha Swami Maharaj led a heartfelt bhajan focused on meditation on the Holy Name. HG Subhekṣaṇa Das offered a welcome address, encouraging all participants to engage deeply in the upcoming days of kīrtana.

A meaningful moment of the evening was the worship of the musical instruments, with prayers that every sound produced during the mela would be for the pleasure of the Lordships. HH Candramauli Swami Maharaj then delivered an encouraging and thoughtful address, reminding everyone of the importance of attentive chanting.

The evening also featured a mṛdaṅga presentation and other devotional offerings.

To conclude, HG Kamal Gopal Prabhu led the Adhivāsa Kīrtana. The assembled devotees joined together in chanting the Mahā-mantra, filling the hall with steady and unified sound.

The Holy Name at the Center

As explained in Harināma–cintāmaṇi, the Holy Name reveals Himself to those who chant sincerely and without offense. During Gaura Pūrṇimā in Māyāpur, this principle becomes very practical — thousands chant together, yet each devotee engages personally in remembrance and prayer.

The raising of the Garuḍa flag marks the external beginning of the festival, but it also serves as a reminder of the internal purpose: to strengthen our commitment to chanting and service.

As the flag now waves high above Śrī Dhāma Māyāpur, it silently proclaims:

Chant and be happy.
Serve and be united.

Source: https://www.mayapur.com/en/blog/the-raising-of-the-garua-flag-a-divine-proclamation