Lord Nityananda appeared on the thirteenth day of the month of Magha (January). This most auspicious day is called Nityananda Trayodasi. Lord Nityananda, in his previous incarnations appeared as Lord balarama, the beloved brother of Sri Krishna, and as Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama. Lord Sri Krishna descended in Kali Yuga as Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the golden avatar, to deliver the people of this age through Sankirtan, the congregational chanting. On this auspicious day, the preceptors of the Sankirtan movement, Lord Gauranga and Lord Nityananda along with the other Deities, manifest in attractive new garments, both in Mangala arati darshan and Sringara arati darshan. An abhishek ceremony is performed for Lord Gauranga and Lord Nityananda at dusk. Uproarious kirtans take place on this day, and the pastimes of Nitai-Gauranga are discussed. Devotees observe a fast till noon on this day.