Events

The story is told in the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam of how eight-year-old Kṛṣṇa challenged the long-held tradition in His village to worship Indra to get rain for crops. He asked them, “What benefit is there in worshiping an angry god, because we are afraid of offending him? Instead, why not worship Govardhana Hill, because it supplies all of the needs of the cows and cowherd people of Vṛndāvana.” When the cow herders eventually agreed to this proposal and commenced worship of Govardhana Hill, Indra tried to destroy them with floods of rain, hail, lightning and thunder. Kṛṣṇa devised a wondrous means to save them all, however, when He lifted the hill on the little finger of his left hand.

In New Dvārakā, this day is celebrated by the worship of a huge hill constructed in the temple and covered with many dozens of delightful food preparations, and at the top, a stone śila from Govardhana Hill Himself. Circumambulation of the hill, joyful kīrtana and a delicious feast always follows.

On the day of the anniversary of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s departure from this world, a festival is held every year to remember and glorify His Divine Grace. Śrīla Prabhupāda established the pure traditional practice of bhakti-yoga in the western world. Śrīla Prabhupāda trained his disciples how to correctly establish the worship of Lord Kṛṣṇa and celebration of His festivals. His influence is sorely missed but in separation we feel the compelling emotions that allow us to relive his memory and inspire our lives. This day includes puṣpāñjalī, congregational participation in abhiṣeka, many delicious food offerings, composed glorifications, kīrtana and a multi-course feast.