The Golden Full Moon

Every year over ten thousand pilgrims descend on the small ancient town of Nabadwip (West Bengal, India) in early March to celebrate Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama. The Gaudiya Vaishnava followers spend ten days walking barefoot to auspicious sites where their saint Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is believed to have shared philosophies and practices concerning devotional life. One of his key teachings emphasised the sacred power of chanting the names of the Hindu Gods of love Krishna and Radha.

On the final day of the pilgrimage the devotees celebrate the appearance of Chaitanya Mahaprabu, which is revealed through the full moon. The day is named Gaura Purnima meaning "Golden Full Moon", on this day men traditionally shave their heads as a sign and act of purification and devotion.