Special Balram Jayanti Puja - ISKCON Nellore

Balram Jayanti marks the divine appearance day of Lord Balarama, the elder brother of Lord Krishna and the personification of strength, service, and spiritual wisdom. At ISKCON Nellore, this sacred day is celebrated with grandeur and deep devotion. The festivities begin with Mangala Aarti, special abhishekam of Lord Balarama’s deity using panchamrit, fruit juices, and herbal water, followed by dressing the deity in white or blue garments, symbolizing purity and strength.Devotees engage in bhajans, Harinam Sankirtan, Krishna-Balarama pastimes (leelas) recitation, and special aarti. A variety of bhog items are offered and later distributed as prasadam to all. Activities like Anna Daanam, Gau Seva, and flower offerings (Pushpa Seva) are also observed. Participating in Balram Jayanti brings blessings of strength, protection, and spiritual clarity. Lord Balarama is also considered the original guru, and sincere observance of this festival enhances one’s connection with the divine and the path of pure bhakti.

Balram Jayanti Puja begins with the devotee performing achamanam (self-purification) and taking a sankalpam (vow) to worship Lord Balarama with devotion. The altar is cleaned and decorated with flowers, and a photo or deity of Lord Balarama is placed. The puja starts by lighting a diya and incense sticks, followed by offering flowers, tulsi leaves, sandalwood paste, and akshat (rice).A panchamrit abhishekam (milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar) is performed if a deity is present, followed by a bath with rose or Ganga water. Devotees chant Balarama mantras or recite Krishna-Balarama leelas. The deity or image is then adorned with white or blue vastram (cloth) and ornaments. Offerings of naivedyam (fruits, sweets, or sattvic food) are made, and aarti is performed with devotion. The puja concludes with prarthana (prayer) for strength, wisdom, and spiritual progress, followed by distribution of prasadam among all present.