The appearance day of Srila Prabhupada is a very special day for all ISKCON devotees. Srila Prabhupada appeared on Nandotsava – the day that Nanda Maharaja had a big festival to celebrate the birth of Krsna (Sri Krsna Janmastami).

 This day is known as Vyasapuja because the Vaisnava spiritual master is a representative of Vyasadeva who is the author of Srimad Bhagavatam.  The seat of Vyasa – called the vyasasan – is where the speaker sits when he/she is giving the class for that day. 

 Vyasapuja offerings are made by the devotees, who write and present very personal messages to their Spiritual Master and in the case of Srila Prabhupada these offerings are submitted months in advance so that they can be printed in a special Vyasapuja book for the year. This book is presented to the Srila Prabhupada murti which represents the very present eternal presence of Srila Prabhupada in ISKCON. 

 On the occasion of the appearance of the disciples of Srila Prabhupada, who in turn have become spiritual masters, we also celebrate their Vyasapuja.  The disciples of a particular spiritual master arrange a celebration of their guru’s birthday in many different ways.  There is always an opportunity for well-wishers to recall interesting incidents or to highlight the specialness of that particular guru. Offerings from the disciples are made and sometimes there is a video or a special guest.