By Radhapad Das
The annual Panihati Chida Dahi Mahotsav (yogurt and chipped rice festival) or the famous Dandamahotsav is celebrated on the 13th day of bright moon in the month of Jyestha (May-June). This festival was first celebrated by Srila Raghunath Das Goswami (Son of a wealthy landlord of Adi-Saptagram) on the orders of Lord Nityananda Prabhu (Incarnation of Lord Balaram) in the year 1516 on the same day. Saturday, 18th June this year marks the 500th anniversary of this festival. In addition to this, ISKCON is celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout the year. The Panihati branch, next to ferryghat boasts to be one the rare ISKCON centers on the bank of Ganges with a well maintained bathing ghat. Strategically located next to Mahotsavatala on the one hand, Raghava Bhawan on the other, with deities of Sri Sri Gaur Nitai, Srila Prabhupada, Goddess Jagadhatri, and Lord Shiva in His two forms as Tarakeshwar and Gangadhar this center has a lot to promise. On this occasion the devotees of the ISKCON center Sri Sri Gaur Nitai Mandir at 37, Gauranga Ghat Road at Panihati were all fired up and distributed free Chida Dahi prasadam to 20,000 visiting pilgrims.