Balarama Jayanti, the appearance day of Lord Balarama, was celebrated at ISKCON Kolkata on 21st August (Wednesday), 2013. Large number of people gathered early in the morning to participate in Mangala Arati and to take beautiful darshan of the Lord. On this auspicious day several senior devotees of Iskcon gave Srimad Bhagavatam class in the morning, wherein they very beautifully described the significance of the appearance of Lord Balarama in this world.

Sankirtan Anand Das, a senior monk, explained, “Lord Balarama is the Adi – Guru, the original spiritual master and He provides spiritual strength to practice devotional life. Balarama’s complexion resembles white lotus flower and His hair is like dark clouds. His appearance brought great joy to Vrajbasis. Sometimes in spite of having the understanding about righteous and unrighteous behaviour we commit sins because of the weakness of our hearts. So on this auspicious day we should pray to Lord Balarama to give us spiritual strength so that we can always lead a virtuous and devotional life which will bring us closer to Krishna.”

The temple was very beautifully decorated with different varieties of colorful flowers and rangolis. Puspanjali & Maha Arati was offered to Lord Balarama. A melodious kirtan accompanied the festival, devotees joyful danced and melodiously sang the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, “HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE”. Everyone enthusiastically participated in this wonderful festival and later enjoyed delicious prasad.

Devotees experience deep inner joy and fulfilment on this auspicious day. On this day if someone sincerely prays to Lord then his life becomes successful.

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