Gaudiya Vaishnavas light up the calendar with joy, each festival a vibrant thread in a tapestry woven around Radha-Krishna devotion.

1. Gaura Purnima
   Celebrated every spring (March–April), this marks the appearance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Temples burst at the seams with kirtan marathons, feasting on mahaprasad, and mood-lifting sankirtan processions. Mayapur’s annual festival draws tens of thousands—proof that collective devotion can really take the cake.

2. Janmashtami & Nandotsav
   Late August or early September shines a spotlight on Krishna’s midnight birth. Beyond the dramatic abhishekam (ceremonial bathing), communities stage raslila dramas and dahi-handi competitions. The next day, Nandotsav keeps the merriment rolling with devotional dancing and sumptuous feasts—enough to satisfy any sweet tooth.

3. Radhashtami
   About a month after Janmashtami, devotees honor Radha’s appearance. Delicate flower garlands, early-morning bhajans and oil lamps lining temple floors create an atmosphere that could melt stone hearts.

4. Ratha Yatra
   June or July brings the chariot festival of Jagannath, borrowed from Puri but embraced worldwide. Cities like New York, London and Mumbai see gaudy, over-the-top chariots rumbling through streets, shouting that bhakti knows no borders.

5. Govardhana Puja & Annakuta
   The day after Diwali (October–November) commemorates Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan. Mountains of vegetarian dishes—called annakuta—symbolize Earth’s abundance. Locals and tourists alike marvel at plates piled sky-high.

6. Kartik Month
   From mid-October to mid-November, every evening lanterns glow in front of Krishna’s altar, inviting devotees to dive deep into Damodar lila. This month’s nostalgia for Vrindavan’s lilas (pastimes) is simply infectious.

7. Holi & Lathmar Holi
   Beyond the riot of colors, Gaudiya temples emphasize the divine play of Radha and Krishna. Barsana’s Lathmar Holi—where ladies playfully chase gents with sticks—remains an age-old spectacle.

8. Nityananda Trayodashi & Snana Yatra
   Honoring Lord Nityananda’s appearance and the ceremonial bathing of deities before Ratha Yatra rounds out the calendar, ensuring every season has its own devotional flavor.