R A D H A S T A M I 2 0 0 3
The 4th of September saw a very nice Radhastami festival in Sydney. Parama-karunamayi Prabhu sang sweet bhajans, Prabhava Prabhu led some ecstatic kirtan, Bimala-prasada Prabhu spoke nicely about Srimati Radharani, Ananda-moya Prabhu and others performed an elaborate abhiseka of the Deities, and Arcaka Prabhu cooked a sumptuous feast for the Lord and His devotees – everything needed for a successful festival, and of course all the guests who attended to make it a special occasion for Srimati Radharani.
For the first time, I painted the small Deities of Sri Sri Radha-Gopinatha, as is the standard, though unfortunately the paint didn't dry before the bathing so will have to be retouched. Varuthapa Prabhu did a wonderful job dressing Their Lordships, and for Sayana-arati he showed Srimati Radharani's lotus feet – the only time in the year when Her feet are shown to fortunate people taking darsan.
We hope to see you all next year for another sweet celebration of the appearance of Srimati Radhika, Lord Sri Krishna's eternal consort.
Radharani ki jaya!
Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha-Gopinatha in Their new outfit for the day, made by Tulasi Mataji. All glories to Varuthapa Prabhu for dressing the large Deities, and to Damodara-rati Mataji for decorating the altar so nicely. Thanks also to Bhaktine Theresa for assisting with the flower arrangements.
Chota Radha-Gopinatha painted by Vijaya-Gauranga das and dressed by Visvambhara Prabhu
Lord Jagannatha Baladeva & Subhadra devi dressed by Varuthapa Prabhu
Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai dressed by Prahladananda Prabhu
The altar in all it's glory
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Some of the offerings during the day, cooked by Rukmini devi dasi, Vijaya-Gauranga das and Damodara-rati devi dasi
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Parama-karunamayi singing bhajans during the festival proceedings, even with a broken foot!
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Parama-karunamayi Prabhu playing harmonium
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Prabhava Prabhu leading the main kirtans
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The large turnout made for an ecstatic atmosphere
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Prabhava leading with Gopal-hari on djembe
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Prabhava again banging the mridanga drum
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Madri devi dasi fanning Their Lordships with camara
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Chota Sri Sri Radha-Gopinatha before Their abhiseka bathing ceremony, in fresh fruit garlands
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Their Lordships being bathed in honey as one of the five types of nectar which is poured from conch shells
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Nanda-maharaja massaging sesame paste onto Their Lordships
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Nanda-maharaja & Varuthapa Prabhu's bathing Their Lordships with yogurt
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Dusting with kunkum powder from a horse-hair brush
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Ananda-moya Prabhu showering flower petals
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Rinsing the Deities with fresh water
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Vijaya-Gauranga pouring water through the shower-head
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Drying Their Lordships with towels after the bathing ceremony |
Srimati Radharani's lotus feet, shown during Sayana-arati for the only time in the year
Thanks to Madri devi dasi & Bhaktine Jacqui for photographs
Thankyou to everyone who attended the festival to make it a great success!
Special thanks to all the volunteers who are too numerous to mention, and all donors who supported us financially.
Special Thanks to everyone who sponsored items for the Deity Department – we will acknowledge everyone who contributed something next issue and in the newsletter/noticeboard, and by personal mail. Your support is greatly appreciated!
We hope to see you all for next years festival...
