Gaura Purnima commemorates the birth of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who appeared over 500 years ago in Navadvipa, West Bengal, to spread the yuga-dharma—the congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. 

Event Highlights

The celebrations will feature a spiritually uplifting lineup of events:

• 4.30 am: Mangala Aarthi, Kirtan and Japam
• 7 am: Guru Puja
• 7.15 am: Srimad Bhagavatam discourse
• 8 am: Darshan Aarti
• 4 pm: Kirtan 
• 5.45 pm: Abhishekam
• 6.30 pm: Discourse on Lord Chaitanya
• 7 pm: Maha Arati 
• 7.30 pm: Anukalpa Prasadam 

Devotees and visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the blissful chanting of Kirtan, witness the sacred bathing ceremony, and listen to enlightening discourses on the life and teachings of Mahaprabhu. The evening will conclude with a Maha Arati and the serving of Anukalpa Prasadam, a special feast prepared for the occasion.

Holika Dahan – March 13, 2025

In addition to Gaura Purnima, ISKCON Chennai will also observe Holika Dahan on March 13 at 11.30 pm, symbolising the burning away of negativity before stepping into a spiritually enriching celebration.

ISKCON Chennai warmly welcomes devotees, spiritual seekers, and the general public to participate in this auspicious festival, receive divine blessings, and experience the boundless mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

For those unable to attend in person, the celebrations will be live-streamed at iskconchennai.org/live. For further details, visit: iskconchennai.org.

The Chennai Chapter of Dignity Foundation, which also celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, has consistently set benchmarks in senior citizen welfare, winning the Best Chapter Award for four consecutive years. 

To mark this momentous year, NIFT Chennai conceptualized and meticulously curated the Inclusive Fashion Show, seamlessly blending creativity, inclusivity, and the spirit of celebration. The event saw spirited senior citizens, who proudly call themselves “Juniors at Heart”, confidently walk the NIFT runway, proving that fashion has no age limit. Their vibrant ensembles inspired by Carnival themes from around the world were a testament to the power of fashion as a tool for self-expression and cultural celebration.

The show was expertly coordinated by Dr. Geetha Ranjini, Sridhar Amanchy, and Pratheepa Raj, supported by an enthusiastic team of NIFT Chennai students who styled, accessorized, and groomed the senior citizen models for their big moment on the runway.

This heartwarming showcase not only highlighted NIFT Chennai’s commitment to inclusive fashion but also underscored the transformative role of design in promoting social inclusion, intergenerational bonding, and creative empowerment.

Adding a vibrant touch to the celebration, a total of 54 children from Nithyaarpana School, Chatur Lakshana School of Fine Arts, Kritha Dance School, Kalaroopam Dance School, and Agaram presented captivating dance performances.

The Club made monetary donations to Avvai Home, V.H.S Hospital, Asha Niketan, Karunai Trust, Rajalakshmi Charitable Trust, Madras Dyslexia  Association, Bala Mandir and Swastha.

Dr. Munawardeen of Exnora spoke on pressing environmental challenges and the organization’s efforts to tackle them. The coordinator of Exnora’s Waterbody Restoration Project, Karpagam, urged students not to pollute lakes and ponds, stressing that these are natural recharge stations for groundwater. She encouraged students to participate in cleanup activities and educate local communities about protecting water bodies. Dr. Muthukumar, Program Officer of the Tamil Nadu Department of Environment, advised students to reduce carbon emissions by cycling or carpooling. He also elaborated on global warming and carbon footprints.

For conducting awareness sessions in your locality, institution, contact 90946 86187.

Currently, the van provides testing for non-communicable diseases, liver disease screening, dental hygiene checks, and general consultations. Patients are linked to appropriate care when needed. Plans are underway to introduce a mobile ultrasonogram to assess fatty liver disease, a growing health concern.

By offering preventive healthcare, this initiative helps reduce the burden on hospitals and aligns with Tamil Nadu’s public health goals. “RCCT has been supporting health and education initiatives for the underprivileged since 1998,” says Club President Rtn Shalin Shah. Interested organisations can contact 73587 64200 for more information.

The initiative was inaugurated by Padma Dr. V.S. Natarajan, India’s Father of Geriatrics, and Dr. D.S. Ramaiah, a 98-year-old VHS Senior Citizen Centre resident. Dr. Natarajan praised VHS for its affordable, high-quality healthcare, while Prof. Suresh Seshadri, Hon. Secretary & CEO, highlighted VHS’s 65-year legacy in accessible medical care.

Dr. Usha Sriram, Head of Diabetes & Endocrinology, emphasised the importance of regular check-ups for seniors to manage conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease. The Aarogyam 100 program offers free consultations in General Medicine, Surgery, Geriatrics, Urology, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Dental Care, and Endocrinology.

The Aarogyam Card was also launched, providing:

• Free Registration & Ambulance Pickup (within 5 km)
• Priority Appointments & Admissions
• Discounts on Lab Tests, Cataract Surgeries & Pharmacy

In a generous gesture, Dr. Ramaiah donated Rs.5 lakh towards enhancing VHS’s senior care facilities. For registration, send details via WhatsApp to 91500 17981 or 93840 03115.

The event was inaugurated by chief guest K.P. Magendran IPS, Former DGP, who praised the institute’s various outreach programmes. Dhamal Ramakrishnan Swami, a well-known scholar, recounted the inspiring journey of Srila Prabhupada, who, at 69, travelled to America alone and established the global Hare Krishna movement.

The event was presided over by the Chairman of ISKCON Bangalore – Madhu Pandit Prabhu, who highlighted Srila Prabhupada’s role in reviving Sanatana Dharma worldwide. The festival featured traditional Tamil Nadu dance performances, including Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Silambam, Kolattam, Karagam, and Poikkal Kuthirai, with over 400 artistes participating. Devotees sang soul-stirring bhajans, and prasadam was distributed to hundreds of attendees.

The Balwadi will be re-inaugurated on Mar.14 at 10 am in memory of the late Sarojani Subramanium, one of the founders and former President of the Manram. The facility will cater to children aged 2 to 5 years, operating from 9 am to 3 pm. Children will receive milk and fruit in the morning, followed by a nutritious lunch. Additionally, toys and colouring books will be provided to encourage early learning – all free of cost.

Parents / guardians of needy children can contact 97907 44007, 93424 69461 for enrollment. The Manram, in their press release, stated that they are also accepting donations  – monetary and kind (child-friendly toys or books in good condition). Readers are also encouraged to spread the word to families who may benefit from this initiative. The Manram is located at No.3, 11th Cross Street, Sastri Nagar.

Distinguished guests included Deepak Koushik (Superintendent, Narcotics Control Bureau), Dr. Shiva Prakash Srinivasan (Consultant Psychiatrist, SCARF), and Dr. Zarina (Head of Psychology Department, Women’s Christian College). They addressed an audience of trustees, staff, and students from Chennai’s top colleges, emphasising TTK’s role in education, training, and research.

Over four and a half decades, TTK Hospital has evolved from traditional therapy to holistic treatments, integrating art, horticulture, and music therapy. The hospital also runs specialised programs for police personnel, urban societies, and rural communities.

Recognising the rise of digital addiction, TTK offers digital detox programs, individual counselling, and group therapy for gamblers. TTK Hospital remains a beacon of hope for individuals and families struggling with addiction.

For more details, visit www.ttkhospital.com or contact 24918461, 47812949, 94450 23737 (WhatsApp).

The rituals started on Feb.5 and included Ganapathy Homam, Navagraha Homam, Dhana Pooja, Mahalakshmi Homam and Suvasini Pooja, etc. The final ceremonies on Sunday night featured Raksha Bandhanam, Yantra Sthapanam, and the application of Ashtabandhana medicine infused with gold and Navaratnas. The rituals were led by Sivacharya Shree Parameswara Gurukkal. The event saw the enthusiastic participation of residents, families, and well-wishers, who gathered to receive the blessings of Lord Ponmeni Vinayagar.

The grand event was meticulously organised by the Deccan Enclave Flat Owners Association, with voluntary contributions from residents and the local community, ensuring the seamless execution of the sacred rituals.