CHICAGO: ISKCON Chicago Hare Krishna Temple celebrated Holi on March 20 and Sri Gaura Purnima (appearance day of Sri Chaitanya) on March 21.The program began in the evening with the chanting of the Mahamantra (Hare Krishna; Hare Rama) led by Subhkrt Das. Holika yagna was performed by Vrishabh Das and Satchitananda Das.

The melodious chanting of Sanskrit verses of Brahma Samhita by Satchitananda Das created devotional environment.Sri Chaitanya Jayanti (Gaura Purnima) program started on March 21 evening with the chanting led by Sanjay Sharma. Among those who led the chanting later include Krishna Smarana Das, Jaya Jagannath Das, Prembhakti Das, Satchitananda Das, and Ramshraddha Das.About 500 devotees attended the program.

The hall vibrated with enchanting chants. Romapada Swami Maharaja, Member of GBC (General Body Council) of ISKCON announced the name of new interim president (of the Chicago temple): H.G. Krishna Smarana Das. Murari Chaitanya Das will serve as the vice president, and Nityananda Pran Das would become president later, he further announced.The Swami asked the temple management to focus on three things:Spiritual care of all devotees and spiritual education; improving the standard of Deity worship; and enhancing the Sunday feast program.

Nityananda Pran Das honored the couple Visvakarma Das, chief cook; and Rohini Devi Dasi for their services. He also honored Bhakta Jerry for helping with Prison Ministry Services.Children performed drama based on the life of Sri Chaitanya and the Soul Connection group performed music while the devotees were enjoying prasadam. Mathuresh Das served as the master of ceremony.Sri Chaitanya is the combined form of both Radha and Krishna.

He spread the devotion to Krishna, and predicted that the Mahamantra (Hare Krishna) will be chanted in every town and village.The fulfillment of His divine prediction began worldwide with Srila Prabhupada, and later his direct disciples have been extending his work.The maha-prasadam was served on both days.