The joyful sound of kirtana (chanting) greeted the hundreds of guests, on the evening of March 26 as they entered the Radha Giridhari Temple in Riverhead, Auckland.. They were all eager to celebrate the appearance day of Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya. The evening was balmy, and the fire sacrifice lit at the entrance to the temple blazed. The hum of vedic mantras filled the evening atmosphere, welcoming the full moon that rose above the trees, shining it’s golden light on the devotees.

The deities smiled down from the altar as they and the audience enjoyed music, dance and drama in glorification of Lord Caitanya. They wore a beautiful new set of clothes, sparkling in black and silver. After the opening of gifts, the devotees performed another energetic kirtana and the deities were again presented by candle light dressed in shining pink outfits. The arati (offerings to the Lord) was co-ordinated with three pujaris (priesst) simultaneously doing the offerings.

The Couch: Edition 8, March/April 2005