As dusk set in on a cloudy day of mid-June, an atmosphere of gaiety and celebration filled the temple complex of ISKCON Bangalore. Devotees were seen decorating the ‘Kalyani’, the epicenter of Panihati Chida Dahi festival. As minutes past by, several devotees assembled at the brilliantly decorated ‘Kalyani ‘ to witness and participate in one of the most colorful festivals of the year. The Chida-dahi Mahotsav, also known as the Chipped Rice Festival of Panihati, is a yearly celebration of the pastimes of Nityananda prabhu and Srila Raghunatha dasa Goswami, one of the Six Goswamis of Vrindavan, the primary disciples of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. An astonishing celebration took place on the banks of the Ganges at Panihati, which is situated in the north of Kolkata. Cool yoghurt is considered to be soothing in the hot weather.

Chida-dahi Mahotsav also known as Danda mahotsava(the festival of punishment) remembers how Raghunatha dasa, as directed by Nityananda prabhu, had arranged an ecstatic feast of yoghurt and chipped-rice for several thousands of devotees assembled at the banks of Ganges in Panihati. The Panihati Chida-Dahi Mahotsava began with chanting, revering the Deities of Nitai Gauranga carried by devotees on a ‘pallakki’. The Deities were placed at the entrance of the kalyani and were prepared for the abhishekha. Milk, honey, Sandalwood paste along and other divine ingredients were used to bathe Their Lordships, Sri Nithai Gauranga. Garlands made of tulasi leaves were placed around the Deities and then followed an arati. Exotic flowers were showered as devotees sang kirtans in praise of the Lord’s name. While the deities were being prepared for the Nauka Vihar, Sri Stoka Krishna Dasa narrated the importance and history of the Panihati Chida-Dahi Mahotsava.

Their Lordships Sri Sri Nithai Gauranga adorned in festive attire and splendid jewelry was placed in a decorated boat in the Kalyani. Rowed by two devotees it housed the deities and was taken two times around the kalyani. Devotees sitting around the edges of the pond showered flowers on Their Lordships and sought Their blessings.

Various flavors of Chida-dahi preparations were first offered to Their Lordships and then distributed to the assembled devotees. The flavors included mango, sapodilla, jackfruit, pistachio, banana, etc. After the prasad was distributed, Their Lordships were taken back to the main temple hall of the Sri Radha Krishna Chandra Mandir for the Shayana arati.

Click here to view Panihati Chida Dahi Photo Gallery 2011


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