Every year, the Vaishnava community around the world joyfully celebrates Panihati Chida-Dahi Mahotsav, the Festival of Chipped Rice and Yogurt, commemorating one of the most heartwarming pastimes of Lord Nityananda Prabhu and Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami. This transcendental event, rich in devotional spirit and divine reciprocation, took place on the banks of the sacred Ganges River in Panihati, a village just north of modern-day Kolkata (West Bengal, India).

The Origin of the Festival

The festival traces its origin to a beautiful pastime narrated in Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, wherein Raghunatha Dasa, eager to receive the mercy of Lord Nityananda, approached Him in Panihati. At that time, Lord Nityananda was seated beneath a tree on the Ganges’ bank, surrounded by His associates and kirtana performers. Upon seeing Raghunatha Dasa, the Lord affectionately called him a “thief” for trying to hide, and—placing His lotus feet on Raghunatha's head—ordered him to organize a grand feast of chipped rice and yogurt for all the devotees present.

Raghunatha Dasa joyfully accepted the order and immediately set out to arrange an opulent festival. He brought large quantities of chipped rice (chida), yogurt (dahi), milk, sugar, bananas, and other delightful ingredients. With heartfelt devotion, he prepared two varieties of dishes—chipped rice soaked in yogurt and bananas, and chipped rice soaked in condensed milk with sweet fruits and camphor. Earthen pots were filled and distributed among the assembled devotees.

A Feast for Thousands

As news of the festival spread, thousands of brahmanas, scholars, and villagers flocked to the site, eager to participate. With no space left on land, some even waded into the Ganges with their pots to relish the prasadam. The scene was extraordinary—devotees chanting "Hari Hari", laughing joyfully, and relishing the Lord’s mercy in the form of a simple, cooling feast that perfectly matched the intense summer heat of pre-monsoon Bengal.

Among the honored guests was Raghava Pandita, who, although having already offered bhoga to the Deities at home, was delighted to witness the spontaneous devotional picnic. Lord Nityananda assured him that He would dine again at night, and even made Raghava Pandita sit and relish the chipped rice on the spot.

A Divine Vision

In a deeply mystical moment, Lord Nityananda invoked the presence of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who appeared there spiritually to partake in the feast. Witnesses describe how Lord Nityananda jovially pushed handfuls of chipped rice into Mahaprabhu’s mouth in a playful mood of divine love. This ecstatic scene reminded the devotees of Krishna and Balarama’s playful pastimes with the cowherd boys on the banks of the Yamuna River. For a moment, Panihati transformed into Vrindavan.

The entire event resounded with the holy names of the Lord, echoing through the sky and hearts of all who were present. Those with deep spiritual vision could see Mahaprabhu Himself there, sitting beside Lord Nityananda and partaking in the chipped rice with boundless affection.

An Offering of Pure Devotion

At the conclusion of the feast, Lord Nityananda distributed garlands, sandalwood pulp, and betel nuts to all, personally serving the devotees with love. The remnants of food from the Lord’s own pots were distributed, and Raghunatha Dasa, overwhelmed with joy, accepted and honored the maha-prasadam. This event marked a turning point in his spiritual journey, deepening his surrender and dedication to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission.