Installation Festival in Kolkata.

After completing a very successful Navadvipa Dhama Parikrama and celebrating the divine appearance day of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Srila Narayana Maharaja went to Calcutta for the installation of the deities in his new temple, Srila Vamana Gosvami Gaudiya Matha. This Matha is situated in an area called Maniktala, which is in the eastern part of Calcutta.

Devotees from all over the world had gathered for the two-day program. On the evening of the first day all went out on a big nagara-sankirtana. Srila Narayana Maharaja, who was observing a strict rest schedule at that time, came out for a few minutes to watch Mahaprabhu ascend His chariot and to lead the devotees on their way. The next morning the prana-pratistha (installation) ceremony was performed under his guidance.  

After the Calcutta program, Srila Narayana Maharaja went to the Sri Giridhari Gaudiya Matha in Govardhana. The main purpose of his visit was to rest before departing on his summer World-Preaching tour. Upon his arrival on March 21st, the devotees welcomed him with a foot bathing ceremony and guru-puja. After that he spoke a few words, glorifying the recent Navadvipa Dhama parikrama. He said this recent parikrama was the most successful in the history of performing this parikrama over the last 60 years. There were no obstacles at all. Prasadam was distributed to thousands of people, and when the devotees were still out on parikrama at lunch time, prasadam for thousands of people would be brought to places like Mayapura, Nrsinga Pali and Champahatti. Sri Navadvipa Dhama is so beautiful. Srila Narayana Maharaja said that those who were not present cannot imagine how beautiful it is. Those who could not come this year should come next year, so that they may also see the beauty of the holy dhama.
 
Report written by Janaki dasi
Edited by Sripad Brajanath dasa

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