GGG Festival 2025

Godha Govinda Godhagraja (GGG) is a grand festival that celebrates devotion, community, and the divine grace of Lord Govinda. Rooted in ancient traditions, it centres around offering Akkara adisal (a sweetened rice dish made with jaggery and ghee) as a symbol of gratitude and surrender to the Lord. The Akkara adisal is made exclusively by Bhagavatas with their Pancha samskaram. The festival is deeply inspired by Andal's divine wish, as expressed in her Naachiar Thirumozhi, particularly in the paasuram "Naaru Narampozhil." Andal desired to offer 100 tada of Akkara adisal to Lord Perumal of Thirumaalirumcholai, a wish fulfilled centuries later by Swami Ramanuja. This act of devotion forms the foundation of the GGG festival, intertwining Andal's legacy with the celebration's spiritual essence.

The celebration begins with preparing the sacred Akkara adisal in massive cauldrons, infused with devotion and reverence. Temples are adorned with floral garlands, oil lamps, and intricate kolams, creating an atmosphere of divine splendour. The highlight of the day is the grand procession, where an ornately decorated idol of Lord Govinda is carried through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and fervent chants of "Govinda! Govinda!" The event fosters a sense of unity, reminding everyone of the Lord’s boundless mercy and the joy of coming together in devotion.

GGG is a profound expression of bhakti (devotion) toward Lord Govinda, celebrating his divine grace and boundless mercy. Rooted in Andal’s Thiruppavai and the spiritual traditions of Tamil Nadu, the festival reminds devotees that unwavering faith and devotion can overcome even the greatest challenges, much like Lord Govinda conquers the unyielding.

The pasurams and practices associated with GGG preserve the legacy of Sri Vaishnava traditions, instilling pride and a sense of continuity within the community. The celebration becomes a living expression of art, faith, and history.

In Helensburgh SVT, the observance of GGG strengthens the bonds within the Tamil community while offering an opportunity to share this rich cultural tradition with the wider local population. By bringing people together to prepare and share food, participate in rituals, and sing hymns, the festival fosters a profound sense of unity and harmony. It reminds participants of the joy found in collective devotion and serves as a bridge between communities, promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

The celebration started at 9:00 AM, following the chanting of the Thiruppavai hymns in front of Perumal, filling the atmosphere with a sense of reverence and spiritual energy. The lighting of the stoves marks the official start of the festivities, accompanied by the continued recitation of Thiruppavai and the preparation of the sacred Akkara adisal. This collective effort brings the entire community together, with every member contributing meaningfully.

Even the young bhagavatas actively participate, enthusiastically crushing spices, chopping nuts, and assisting with other preparatory tasks. Their involvement adds to the festive spirit and instils a sense of connection to their cultural roots and spiritual heritage. As the sweet dish nears completion, its aroma fills the air, symbolising the community’s collective devotion. Once the Akkara adisal is perfectly cooked, it is transferred into 100 small utensils, known as ‘Thadās,’ in keeping with the wish of Andal.

These offerings are then reverently presented to the Perumal, completing the sacred ritual with a profound sense of gratitude and surrender to the divine.

The Godha Govinda Godhagraja festival stands as a timeless testament to the power of faith, the beauty of tradition, and the unity found in shared devotion, inspiring generations to celebrate the divine grace of Lord Govinda with unwavering hearts.

By Pranav Sathyan