Sri Gaura Purnima is the auspicious Appearance Day of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (who is also known as Gauranga due to His golden complexion), and this year ISKCON is celebrating the 532nd anniversary of His Appearance on Mar.2. This festival also marks the beginning of the New Year for Gaudiya Vaishnavas.
The Supreme Lord Sri Krishna appeared as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to establish Sankirtana (chanting of the Holy Names) — the Yuga Dharma for this age of Kali. He appeared on PhalguniPurnima, the full moon day in the month of Phalguna (Feb-March) in the year 1486 AD (1407 Shakabda) at Sridham Mayapura as the son of Sri Jagannath Mishra and Srimati Sachidevi. His parents named him Nimai since he was born under a nimba (neem) tree in the courtyard of His paternal house. His Appearance Day is celebrated as Gaura Purnima.
