HYDERABAD, JUNE 27, 2026: Hare Krishna Movement grandly celebrated the “PANIHATI CHIDA-DAHI FESTIVAL” a traditional festival of honouring Chipped Rice & Yoghurt Prasadam on Saturday at the sacred Hare Krishna Golden Temple, Banjara Hills.
Devotees from all parts of Hyderabad and the twin cities participated joyfully and received the Lord’s divine blessings. About the Festival: “Chida-Dahi” Mahotsava — also known as Danda Mahotsava (the Festival of Punishment) — is a joyous annual commemoration of a wonderful pastime of Sri Nityananda Prabhu and Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami, celebrated on the thirteenth day of the bright moon in the month of Jyeshtha (May–June).
It is an occasion to remember how the Lord mercifully reciprocated with His devotees by arranging an ecstatic feast of yoghurt, chipped rice and various other nectarian foodstuffs. Auspicious Proceedings: The morning commenced with Their Lordships Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga being beautifully adorned with Navavasträs (new garments) and exquisite jewellery, as devotees and the general public were blessed with the divine darshan of Their Lordships’ special Alankara.
In the evening with Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga being carried in a grand Pallaki procession, accompanied by soul-stirring Harinam Kirtans. This was followed by the Sri Nitai Gauranga Abhishekam — wherein Their Lordships were bathed during the Abhishekam — with Panchamritha (milk, curd, honey, ghee, etc.), Panchagavya (5 auspicious items from the cow), fruit juices, colourful flowers, special aushadhis, navaratnas and other auspicious items, amidst Vedic mantras. A Special Pravachan was delivered, followed by the Maha Mangala Arati. Later, Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga were carried back in a grand Pallaki procession with Kirtans, with the Pallaki coming to the public, allowing everyone to offer flowers to their Lordships.
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