The World Holy Name Festival is an annual event celebrated by followers of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and devotees of Lord Krishna worldwide. Every year, devotees worldwide celebrates the “World Holy Name Festival” from September 17 to September 23, to honor the arrival of Srila Prabhupada in America on September 17, 1965. The main purpose of the World Holy Name Festival is to promote the chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra and the glorification of Lord Krishna.
It carries several key significances and glories:

Chanting the Holy Name

The primary focus of World Holy Name Festival is the chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra: “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.” Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu emphasized that the chanting of the holy name is not limited by caste, creed, or social status. It is a practice that can be followed by people from all walks of life, making it inclusive and accessible to everyone.

Devotional Community

World Holy Name Festival brings together devotees from all over the world to engage in collective chanting and devotional activities. It strengthens the sense of community among devotees and allows them to share their love and devotion for Lord Krishna.

Outreach and Education

During this festival, ISKCON communities often engage in outreach activities, distributing literature about the philosophy and teachings of Lord Krishna and conducting educational seminars and lectures. It’s a time when people who may be unfamiliar with Krishna consciousness can learn about its principles and practices.

Spiritual Renewal

For existing devotees, World Holy Name Festival serves as a time of spiritual renewal and deepening of their relationship with Lord Krishna. It’s an opportunity to recommit to their spiritual practices and intensify their devotion.

Public Awareness

The festival helps raise public awareness about the ISKCON and its teachings. Through street chanting, book distribution, and prasadam (sanctified food) distribution, ISKCON communities share their spiritual culture with the public and promote a lifestyle of devotion and compassion.

Unity and Peace

Chanting the holy name is have the power to bring about inner and outer peace. Devotees pray for world peace during World Holy Name Week, emphasizing the idea that by connecting with the Supreme Lord through the holy name, conflicts and disturbances in the world can be mitigated.

Personal Transformation

Devotees often testify to the transformative power of the holy name in their own lives. They share stories of how regular chanting has brought them inner joy, improved relationships, and a sense of purpose.

Legacy of Srila Prabhupada

World Holy Name Festival also honors the legacy of Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, who played a pivotal role in spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna and the chanting of the holy name worldwide.

In essence, World Holy Name Week is a celebration of the profound spiritual and devotional significance of chanting the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra. It serves as a time for devotees to come together in unity, reach out to the broader community, and deepen their commitment to the practice of bhakti yoga and devotion to Lord Krishna. Through this festival, the glories of the Holy name are celebrated and shared with the world.

“harer nāma harer nāma
harer nāmaiva kevalam
kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva
nāsty eva gatir anyathā [Adi 17.21]”

“In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy the only means of deliverance is chanting the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.”

Divine Origins and Marriage

Sita Thakurani was born as the daughter of Shri Nrishinga Baduri, a deeply spiritual figure. She was married to Shri Advaita Acharya in Phuliya Nagara, a union that was divinely ordained. As per the Gaura-Ganodesha-Dipika, she is considered to be an incarnation of Yogamaya, the divine energy that orchestrates the Lord’s pastimes. In Krishna-lila, she appeared as Purnamasi, the mother of Sandipani Muni and grandmother of Madhumangal and Nandimukhi, illustrating her eternal connection with the Lord in His various incarnations.

Sita Thakurani and the Birth of Lord Chaitanya

One of the most revered aspects of Sita Thakurani’s life was her deep maternal affection towards Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Her connection with Him began from the moment of His birth. When Jagannatha Mishra, the father of Shri Chaitanya, saw signs of the Lord’s imminent arrival, he sent word to Advaita Acharya in Shantipura. Upon hearing the joyous news, Advaita Acharya sent his wife, Sita Thakurani, to Mayapur to witness the birth of the child.
Arriving with great auspiciousness, Sita Thakurani brought with her a variety of gifts, including silk garments, golden ornaments, and other sacred items, which she offered to the divine child. She immediately recognized the transcendental nature of the newborn, seeing in Him the same Krishna of Gokula. Her heart overflowed with maternal affection, and she blessed the baby with long life and good fortune. In her loving concern, she also named Him Nimai, a name that would protect Him from any malevolent forces.

Maternal Guidance and Care

Sita Thakurani’s role extended beyond her initial visit. She regularly visited the house of Jagannatha Mishra and Sachi Devi to help care for the young Nimai. Her knowledge and experience in child-rearing, coupled with her divine intuition, made her a vital figure in His upbringing. She offered invaluable guidance to Sachi Devi, advising her on how to care for her extraordinary son. The two women were united in their love and devotion to Nimai, and Sita Thakurani’s frequent visits created a bond between the families that transcended mere friendship.
During Nimai’s childhood and youth, Sita Thakurani and Advaita Acharya continued to play crucial roles in His life. When Nimai’s older brother, Vishvarupa, took sannyasa and left the family, the grief-stricken Jagannatha Mishra and Sachi Devi found solace in the comforting words and support of Advaita Acharya and Sita Thakurani. Their unwavering presence helped the family cope with the loss.

Devotion to Lord Chaitanya

Sita Thakurani’s devotion to Lord Chaitanya was boundless. Even as He grew into His divine mission, she remained an integral part of His life. Advaita Acharya and Sita Thakurani were present when the Lord began His kirtan pastimes, spreading the sankirtan movement. They prayed fervently for His well-being and supported Him in His divine mission to uplift the fallen souls of Kali-yuga.
After Lord Chaitanya took sannyasa, the separation from Him deeply affected His mother, Sachi Devi. Sita Thakurani stayed with her for days, consoling her in her time of grief. When the Lord eventually returned to Shantipura after His sannyasa, it was Sita Thakurani’s cooking that nourished Him. Her vatsalya-prema (parental affection) for the Lord was so deep that He accepted her offerings with the same love and respect He showed His own mother, Sachi Devi.

The Spiritual Festivities

Sita Thakurani also played an active role in the spiritual festivities organized by Lord Chaitanya and Advaita Acharya. Her joyful participation in kirtans and festivals, along with her organization of the events, contributed to the spreading of the bhakti movement. Her home in Shantipura became a hub for devotees who gathered to immerse themselves in the ecstatic love of Krishna.
One particular instance, beautifully described in the writings of Shri Parameshvari Dasa Thakura, tells of a festival where Sita Thakurani, at the request of Lord Chaitanya, organized an event filled with singing, dancing, and the chanting of the Lord’s names. The joy and devotion that filled the air during these occasions reflected Sita Thakurani’s deep connection to both Lord Chaitanya and the community of devotees.

Sita Thakurani’s Legacy

Sita Thakurani and Advaita Acharya had three sons: Achyutananda, Krishna Mishra, and Gopala Mishra. Each of their sons followed in the spiritual footsteps of their parents, becoming dedicated followers of Lord Chaitanya.
Her legacy as Yogamaya, the divine energy that facilitates the Lord’s pastimes, underscores her importance in both Krishna-lila and Gaura-lila. Through her actions, Sita Thakurani exemplified the perfect devotee, whose life is dedicated entirely to the service of the Lord and His devotees. Her maternal affection for Lord Chaitanya, as well as her active involvement in the spiritual lives of others, cements her position as a central figure in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.

Conclusion

Sita Thakurani’s life is a shining example of devotion, love, and spiritual wisdom. As the eternal consort of Advaita Acharya and the divine mother of Lord Chaitanya, she played an indispensable role in the Lord’s earthly pastimes. Her compassion, care, and dedication not only nurtured the young Nimai but also helped spread the teachings of devotion and love throughout the world. Her story continues to inspire generations of devotees to this day, and she is rightfully worshipped as one of the most revered figures in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.

Lord Balaram appeared on the full moon day of Shravan Month. This day is celebrated as Balaram Jayanti every year. This year it is celebrated on the 19th of August. During this festival, ISKCON Temples are beautifully decorated. Devotees assemble from various regions to get a glance at deities. This day has great significance as Lord Balaram is very dearest to Lord Krishna. Lord Balaram associates Himself with Hal (Plough) and Mace, so he is also known as Haldhar.

Lord Sri Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead among all avatars. Balaramji is the first expansion of Sri Krishna.

Difference In Appearance of Krishna & Balaram

Balaram Ji and Sri Krishna only differ in appearance. The appearance of Sri Krishna is blue or Shyamwarna, like dark clouds. So sometimes, He is also called Ghanshyam. Sri Balaram Ji’s appearance is white as pure milky clouds.

Role of Sri Balaram

Balaram Ji cooperates with the Supreme Lord in various ways and enjoys the ecstasy of the service of Sri Krishna in the form of Sheshnag. When Sri Krishna appeared in this materialistic world, he comes along with His associates and paraphernalia.

Lord Balaram’s Advent

When 5000 years back, Lord Sri Krishna appeared on this worldly planet. Sri Balaram preceded in this world. When Baladeva stayed in the womb of Devaki as the seventh child, she presumed that this child is not an ordinary child. He is a divine child, which bothered her about his safety.

Kansa became alert by spotting a glow in Mata Devaki, thinking the prophecy may have fooled him. Instead of the 8th son of Devaki, he will be slain by the 7th son.

Kansa’s Fright

Even Kansa became fearful by sensing his potency, thinking the prophecy may have tricked him that he will be slain only by the eighth child of Devaki. At that time, Lord Sri Krishna enjoined Yoga Maya, His internal potency, to transfer the unborn from the womb of Devaki to the house of Sri Nanda Maharaj at Gokul in the womb of Rohini. In this way, Balaram Ji appeared in Gokul at Nanda Baba’s house.

Forecast of Gargamuni

This newly born child is loaded with extraordinary body strength, so this child will be called Balaram.

The Moniker of Sri Balaram

This newly born child is loaded with extraordinary body strength, so this child will be called Balaram.

Since, He got brought from the womb of Devaki to the womb of Rohini so, He will also be known as Sankarshan. As He appeared as Rohini’s son, He will also be known as Rohini Nandana. He is the elder brother of Krishna, So He is also recognised as “Dauji”.

Lord Balaram’s Appearance

Sri Balaram ji is white as crystal in appearance. Balaram ji is a 16-years old boy, full of zeal glistened with supernatural powers.

He wears blue clothes and garlands with vanamala and kunjamala. Ruby and Pearl neckpiece beautifully placed in his neck, armlets in his strong arms, and wears beautifully crafted anklets in His lotus feet, He looks even more attractive. His broad chest is ornamented with a garland of Gunja Mala, and he has a harsh and soft voice. His long arm touches His knee. His beauty is similar to millions of glistening rising moons. His boundless strength is equal to the minimal amount of force sufficient to destroy many armies of demons.

Even being well informed about the supernatural power of His younger brother, Balaram ji never left Sri Krishna alone in the jungle. As an elder brother, Balaram ji was a symbol of Sri Krishna’s love and respect. Therefore, Balaram ji is very dear to Lord Sri Krishna, and He is the nectar ocean of many sweet pastimes. There are some such pastimes in which Balaram ji has a special mention.

Lord Balaram’s Pastimes

Balaram Ji slays Dhenukasura and Pralambasura. They were demons sent by Kansa to chastised Yamuna Devi.

Sri Balaram also freed Samba from the captivity of Kauravas. Balaram Ji married Revati. Balaram became angry with Bhima for killing Duryodhana by trickery and killed Romaharshana for not deserving esteem to Vyasdeva.

Creator of Spirituality

Due to the first expansion of the Supreme Lord, the entire spiritual world has originated from Balaram Ji. All the material and conscious things engaged in the service of the Supreme Lord are expanded from Sri Balaram Ji. He is the original Guru Tattva, the original Guru of all living beings. When Balaram Ji roams in the forest, a few trees crouch towards Him to greet Him.

Lord Krishna’s Words

Lord Krishna says all the demigods also want to do sewa of lotus feet of Sri Balaram and please Him. Lord Balaram is the eternal companion of Lord Sri Krishna. He always appeared with Lord Krishna as Lakshmana with Rama and later as Nityananda Prabhu with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Consistently, He always stayed with Supreme Lord Krishna in His pastimes to provide service to the Lord. So Balaram Ji is like a retainer of Lord Sri Krishna. His only mission is to please Krishna by providing assistance to him.

He is the original spiritual Guru. Anyone who has the impulse to make spiritual progress has to acquire the mercy of Sri Balaram. Thus we should pray and please Lord Balaram that He provides us strength to give service to Lord Krishna with complete devotion and dedication.

Jhulan Yatra is a blissful festival for the followers of Lord Krishna. The devotees celebrate Radha Krishna’s pastime of swinging on a golden swing every day until Balrama-Purnima. It is observed in the month of Sawan when the monsoon clouds assemble. Finally, the rain appears after the scorching heat of summers. Sri Krishna’s special place Brajbhoomi looks spectacular.

Ecstatic Celebrations of Jhulan Yatra in Vrindavan

The temples of Vrindavan celebrate Jhulan Yatra with great joy and devotion. Many devotees follow a trail of pilgrimage from one temple to another from early morning to late evening for the darshan of Sri Krishna.

The calm winds of Sawan make the atmosphere pleasant. Worldwide, Devotees gather in thousands of temples to get the opportunity to render service to the divine couple by swinging them.

Vrindavan is the sacred place where 5000 years ago, Sri Krishna spent the most love-soaked chapter of His boyhood and raas drenched years of adulthood. This is the land about which Sri Krishna said to His friend Uddhav. For the people of Braj, Sri Krishna was supreme.

The people of this land were devoted entirely to Lord Krishna. Their love for Sri Krishna was uttermost, which cannot be expressed in words. Their life was totally centred on Shri Krishna. Raas with Gopis (cow-herding maidens) symbolizes the interplay of love and adoration between the Almighty and the human soul.

People of Braj and their eternal love for Lord Krishna

Lord Sri Krishna, along with his cow herding companions, used to roam in the jungles of Braj. Along with herding, He used to play and eat on land with His friends and spread happiness.

In every season, along with Krishna, His friends happily participated in every mesmerizing pastime of Lord Sri Krishna. With complete devotion, they used to provide service to their beloved friend whom they loved blindly.

Gopies were blind in love with Lord Krishna. Among all the gopi, Radha Rani was the consort of Lord Krishna.

Jhulan Yatra- The Beginning of Sawan

This festival is associated with the beginning of Sawan, and this month is known as Shravan or Sawan. It falls in July or August and resembles the end of the summer season and the beginning of the rainy season, which is an entirely moist climate.

Cold mesmerizing winds are blown. Showers of rain make the whole land of Vrindavan lush green. The dried land of Vrindavan is brought back to life after the dry summer.

The forests of Vrindavan get filled up with colourful flowers such as Jasmine, Champa, and Madhuri that have newly blossomed in the season. The sectarian honey is oozing from the beehives. The cuckoo sings with its melodic sound and makes the environment mesmerizing. The peacocks start dancing, spreading their wings in anticipation of dark clouds in the sky.

How is Jhulan Yatra Celebrated?

Sri Radhika Rani’s sakhis make a hanging swing on a kadamba tree decorated with flowers in the forests. They make a Divine couple of Radha Krishna seated on their swing. It starts on Shukla paksha Ekadashi of Sawan and ends on Purnima of Sawan month.

In ISKCON Temples, devotees decorate the wooden or metal swings with flowers. They placed the deities for 5 days on a swing and swung them gently with a string decorated with flowers. Usually this celebration starts in the evening when deities are seated comfortably on the swing from their throne, and then Arati is offered to them.

Later on, one by one, all the devotees come forward and take turns to go and swing the deities and get immense pleasure. This time is memorable for each devotee, filling their heart with joy and making the overall experience ethereal.

Who can participate in Jhulan Yatra?

Jhulan Yatra is not any kind of ritual only. It is the festival where Krishna devotees can take part and enjoy devotional service for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Celebration of this Festival is one of the best pastimes of Lord Sri Krishna, where He allows His devotees to do His devotional service and ponder His blessings on them. Therefore, every devotee should take the opportunity to witness Jhulan Yatra and feel blessed.

Celebration of Jhulan Yatra in ISKCON

In every temple of ISKCON worldwide, this festival is acknowledged with great joy and enthusiasm. So this year, you all can visit your nearest ISKCON temple from (16th August 2024 – 19th August 2024) to witness this spellbinding couple and make your birth worthy.