One of the main attractions of Gaura Purnima is the main stage cultural programs. We had a variety of drama and dance performances for this year Gaura Purnima festival, directed by HH Bhakti Marg Swami, Madhurya Kadamini’s cloud of nectar theatre. There was a wonderful drama presented by students of Bhakti Vedanta National School on the appearance of Lord Jagannath. This is a confidential pastime, on how Krishna become ecstatic in separation of Srimati Radharani-‘Radha Viraha Vidhura Krsna’ form is Lord Jagannatha. Drama started with Krishna experiencing separation from Gopis and Vrindavan at Dvaraka and simultaneously Radharani feeling separation from Krsna in Vrindavan. These kids did a great job in bringing that mood live by their  excellent dramatic skills,coupled with all their innocence.

Krsna feeling Radharani’s Separation

Radhrani exhibiting feelings of intense separation from Krishna

Then Balaram and Subhadra mount in their chariots to Vendvan to announce to suffering Vrajavasis about Krishna’s arrival shortly. On entering Vrajadhama, they see the Sriamti Radharani in the banks of Yamuna, in intense separation from Krishna Preares to give her body. They become stunned and Their limbs draws and eyes wide open.

  Narada , Uddhava and Balarama in Dvaraka.

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On waking up to the Narada’s playing Vina, intoxicated thoroughly in the prem of Vrajavasis, helped by Uddhava and Narada, Krishna Sets off to Vrindavan. On seeing Vrajavasis and Radahrani, Krishna assumes the most ecstatic form of Lord Jagannatha. The best part of the drama was that three children were painted on their faces and stood as Jaganantha, Baladeva and Subhadra ( Live Darshan!). There were two odyssey style dance performances. The drama concluded with how two ecstatic forms of Krishna- Sri Radha Vihara Vidhura Krishna-Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Jagannatha have their pastimes in Nilachala dhama.

Caitanya Mahaprabhu in Nilachal dhama

Srila Prabhupada explains that children should be trained up in Krishna Consciousness, right from the beginning of childhood. Bhakti Vedanta National School deserves appreciation for giving the students the right education and culture.