Vrindavan, November 24, 2025 (VT Correspondent): “Bhaye pragat Bihari ras sukhkari…”—with these melodious traditional verses echoing through Vrindavan, the 482nd Pradurabhavotsav (Appearance Festival) of Thakur Banke Bihari Maharaj will commence at the sacred Nidhivan, the very site of His divine manifestation. At the break of dawn on Bihar Panchami, the site of manifestation to Swami Haridas will be bathed in ceremonial Mahabhishek, marking the beginning of the grand annual celebration.
Throughout the day, festive splendour will envelop the Banke Bihari Temple, the Shri Haridas Peeth Temple, and the entire Braj region. Acharya Prahlad Ballabh Goswami, Peethadhishwar of Shri Haridas Peeth and noted historian, said that although every daily darshan of the Lord is a festival in itself, the Lord, out of compassion for His devotees, reveals His divine beauty through various celebrations and festivities.
It was on the auspicious dawn of Bihar Panchami in 1543 CE that Rasik Saint Shri Swami Haridas Ji witnessed the divine appearance of the ever-enchanting Banke Bihari Ji. Thereafter, a unique and unparalleled tradition of seva, shringar, and darshan was established—so distinctive that it is now regarded as an invaluable cultural heritage of the world.
Following the ancient tradition, the Appearance Festival of Thakur Banke Bihari will be celebrated with great enthusiasm tomorrow, on the Bihar Panchami of the Shukla Paksha of the Margashirsha (Agahan) month.
Schedule of the Celebrations
The day will begin early morning at Nidhivan with Abhishek, worship, aarti, and traditional badhai (congratulatory hymns). Following this, the grand procession of Shri Swami Haridas Ji will move through the town and is expected to reach the Banke Bihari Temple around noon. Upon arrival, the sacred portraits of Swami Haridas Ji, Lord Jagannath Ji, and Lord Vitthal Vipul Ji will be ceremonially placed at the lotus feet of Thakur Ji.
A special offering of Panch Meva and Mohanbhog will then be presented. On this occasion, a senior member of the revered Nikunj-based Chabile Vallabhacharya family will perform the auspicious mangala tika and the rare Agaawani Aarti—performed only once a year—using pure desi ghee lamps and camphor.
Divine Rituals and Offerings
At the Banke Bihari Temple, the Lord will be bathed with milk, curd, ghee, sugar, honey, herbs, nine jewels, Yamuna water, rose water, and kewra. After the sacred bath, Thakur Ji will be adorned with sandal paste, tulsi leaves, fragrant flowers, and resplendent yellow garments and ornaments.
Offerings of makhan-mishri, steaming mohanbhog, dry fruits, and fresh fruits will be presented to the Lord. The celebration will conclude with distribution of mahaprasad to devotees.
With devotional fervour rising across Vrindavan, the entire Braj Dham eagerly awaits the divine blessings of Thakur Banke Bihari Maharaj on His 482nd Appearance Day.
(Report: Vrindavan Today Digital Desk)
