Sri Gaura Purnima is the auspicious appearance day of Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who appeared in Sridhama Mayapur, Navadvipa, on the full moon evening of the month of Phalguna in the year 1486.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is Krishna Himself, who appeared in this world adorned with the mood and complexion of Srimati Radhika. He came to taste the sweetness of Her love for Krishna and to distribute that love freely to all through the congregational chanting of the Holy Names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

On this day, devotees fast until moonrise and then honor Ekadasi preparations only. The festival is celebrated with grand kirtana, abhisheka of the Lord, and distribution of prasadam.