The traditional pilgrim circuit around the nine islands of Nabadwip is walked formally only at Gaura Purnima in February or March, when thousands of devotees set out in groups led by kirtan parties. Most of the year, individual pilgrims walk shorter segments — the inner town parikrama is a comfortable half-day on foot.
The full route covers the river crossings, the major maths, and the village sites associated with episodes in Chaitanya's life. Several maths along the way provide free prasad lunches. The atmosphere during the full parikrama festival is one of the most extraordinary religious experiences in eastern India.