(More photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZDPF2oqL021aV1SwkR4T8oM-4M5gohFZ )
On February 10th 2025, ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Gita Academy (BGA) Kolkata hosted the World’s Largest Indoor Nityananda Trayodashi Celebrations at the prestigious Nazrul Mancha Indoor Auditorium. The grand event was held under the direction of HH Bhakti Purushottama Swami and organized under the leadership of HG Lakshmi Govinda Das and Team, drawing an overwhelming 4,000+ devotees from across the region. The celebrations spanned the entire day, from 9 AM to 6 PM, marking a spiritually enriching experience dedicated to Lord Nityananda’s divine appearance.
The festival featured soul-stirring kirtans, profound lectures by senior ISKCON Leaders, mesmerizing dance performances, and an engaging puppet show by the talented BGA students. Additionally, prize distributions recognized the contributions of book distributors and donors who tirelessly spread the message of Bhagavad-Gītā and Krishna Consciousness by practicing devotional service.
A festival booth area was set up to accommodate inquisitive newcomers, offering insights into Gaudiya Vaishnavism through book stalls, devotee cultivation booths, an information desk, and an paraphernalia store. The event saw a massive feast prasadam distribution, with over 4,000 plus plates of prasadam served to devotees and visitors alike.
Adding to the event’s prestige, MLA of RashBehari Constituency, Mr. Debashish Kumar, graced the occasion, commending ISKCON for fostering cultural and spiritual harmony. His address appreciated the organizers and the devotees for upholding Kolkata’s legacy as a center of devotion and spirituality.
The event was further glorified by the presence of ISKCON Leaders including HH Bhakti Purushottama Swami, HH Bhakti Vijaya Bhagavat Swami, HG Atul Krishna Das, HG Sachi Kumar Das, HG Ananga Mohan Das, and HG Acharya Ratna Das. Their discourses emphasized the need for spiritual education and service to humanity as propagated by Lord Nityananda.
Recognizing the exponential growth in participation, the organizers have ambitious plans to shift the celebrations to the Netaji Indoor Stadium, accommodating 12,000 devotees in the coming years. With an increasing demand for spiritual education, ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Gita Academy also showcased its courses such as Correspondence Gita Study Course, Online Scriptural Studies, Bhakti Shastri, Bhakti Vaibhava, The Prahlad Sunday School Program for young children, FIT (First Initiation Training), SIT (Second Initiation Training), and so on ensuring that Lord Nityananda’s mercy reaches every household.
This monumental event set a new benchmark, reaffirming ISKCON’s commitment to preserving and propagating Sanatana Dharma on a grand scale.
For more information, contact:
ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Gita Academy
Email: gitaacademy@gmail.com
Website: gitaacademy.co.in
Message from Guru, GBC, and Zonal Secretary – HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj to the devotees of Bhaktivedanta Gita Academy:
My dear devotees,
Please accept my blessings.
All glories to Śrī Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu!
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda!
I am very pleased to know that the devotees of the Gita Study Course in Kolkata are celebrating the auspicious occasion of Śrī Nityānanda Trayodashi with great enthusiasm. Last year, I had the opportunity to be present with all of you, and it was truly inspiring to see the collective devotion and dedication in glorifying Lord Nityānanda.
Although this year, due to my health and various meetings, I am unable to be physically present, I send my blessings to all of you. Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu is the original spiritual master and the embodiment of mercy. By worshiping Him and seeking His shelter, we can receive the causeless mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and advance quickly in our spiritual lives.
Nityānanda Prabhu’s compassion is unparalleled—He delivers even the most fallen souls and grants them pure love of Kṛṣṇa. We should take advantage of this day by sincerely praying for His blessings so that we may serve His mission with greater dedication. As Lord Nityānanda tirelessly spread the chanting of the Holy Names, we should also make efforts to engage others in this divine process of Nāma-saṅkīrtana.
I send my blessings to all the assembled devotees. May you always remain engaged in devotional service and continue to spread the glories of Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityānanda. May this celebration fill your hearts with spiritual joy and deepen your faith in the path of bhakti.
Jaya Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu!
Jaya Śrīla Prabhupāda!
Your well-wisher always,
Jayapataka Swami
In Service of Srila Prabhupada,
Kaliarupa Jagannath Dasa
– PR, Projects & Strategy Executive
– Administrative Secretary for BGA