Janmashtami and Nanda Utsav Celebrated at Gaura-Nitai Temple in Mayapur….

News Stardom : Mayapur, 5 September, 2026. Janmashtami and Nanda Utsav were celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm at the newly constructed Shri Shri Gaura-Nitai Temple in Mayapur, Nadia.Nanda Utsav is traditionally observed on the day following Janmashtami. The festival commemorates the joy and celebrations that spread among the residents of Gokul following the birth of Lord Krishna. Upholding this age-old tradition, devotees gathered at the Shri Shri Gaur-Nitai Temple to celebrate the occasion with religious fervour.The temple was constructed under the initiative of Acharya Srila Bhakti Swarup Tirtha Maharaj, founder of the Gaudiya Vaishnava Association. A large number of disciples, devotees and well-wishers from different parts of India and abroad participated in the celebrations.The Janmashtami puja was performed on Friday night, while the Nanda Utsav celebrations began from Saturday morning. The temple premises resonated with devotional songs, Harinam Sankirtan and various religious rituals, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere.As part of the Nanda Utsav celebrations, Guru Puja, special Aarti, recitation of scriptures and Harinam Sankirtan were organised. Devotees participated in the recitation of the Bhagavad Gita and devotional chanting, remembering the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna. Prasad distribution and a community feast were also arranged for devotees and visitors.According to Hindu religious tradition, after the birth of Lord Krishna, his father Vasudeva carried him to Gokul to protect him from the tyranny of King Kansa and placed him in the care of Nanda Maharaja and Mother Yashoda. Krishna’s arrival brought immense joy among the people of Gokul. It is believed that Nanda Maharaja, Krishna’s foster father, organised a grand celebration the following day to mark the birth of the child. This celebration came to be known as Nanda Utsav and has since been observed on the day after Janmashtami.Nanda Utsav holds special significance in the Vaishnava tradition. The festival is marked by Harinam Sankirtan, recitation of the Bhagavad Gita, special prayers and rituals, along with the distribution of Prasad among devotees.At the Shri Shri Gaur-Nitai Temple in Mayapur, the traditional rituals and devotional practices were observed with great enthusiasm. With devotees arriving from different parts of India and abroad, the temple premises remained vibrant throughout the day.The celebrations concluded with devotees remembering the birth of Lord Krishna and the significance of Nanda Utsav through devotional chanting, prayers and religious ceremonies.