# Gaura-pūrṇimā > Appearance of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu **Observed:** Full moon (pūrṇimā) of the month of Phālguna (February-March) --- ## Significance Gaura-pūrṇimā celebrates the appearance of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who appeared in Māyāpur, West Bengal, in 1486. Lord Caitanya is Kṛṣṇa Himself in the mood of His greatest devotee, Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, appearing to taste the mellows of devotional love and to distribute the yuga-dharma: the congregational chanting of the holy names. > In this Age of Kali there is no other religion than the chanting of the holy names of the Lord. That is the conclusion of all the revealed scriptures. > > — [[cc/adi/7/76|Cc. Ādi 7.76]] --- ## The Golden Avatāra Lord Caitanya appeared with a golden complexion (*gaura* means "golden"), which is why He is called Gaurāṅga or Gaurahari. He initiated the saṅkīrtana movement, leading processions of thousands in ecstatic kīrtana through the streets of Navadvīpa. --- ## Observance - **Fasting:** Complete fast until moonrise - **Abhiṣeka:** Bathing ceremony of the Deity - **Kīrtana:** All-day and night kīrtana - **Feast:** Grand prasādam after moonrise - **Readings:** Pastimes from Caitanya-caritāmṛta --- ## Māyāpur Festival ISKCON's world headquarters in Māyāpur hosts the largest annual celebration, with devotees from around the world gathering for a week-long festival. The celebration includes: - Massive abhiṣeka ceremonies - All-night kīrtanas - Drama performances of Lord Caitanya's pastimes - Processions through Māyāpur --- ## From the Scriptures > Let me surrender unto the lotus feet of Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who is the most merciful Personality of Godhead. He delivers those who are merged in ignorance and offers them the highest devotional service. > > — [[cc/adi/1/4|Cc. Ādi 1.4]] --- ## Related - [[cc/adi/1|Cc. Ādi Chapter 1]] — The Spiritual Masters - [[wiki/events/nityananda-trayodasi|Nityānanda Trayodaśī]] - [[wiki/articles/caitanya-mahaprabhu|Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu]] --- *See [[wiki/events/events|Vaiṣṇava Calendar]] for this year's date.*