On the morning of January 5, 2026, Yogoda Satsanga Society of India celebrated the 133rd birth anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda on the site of Paramahansaji’s birth in the city of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. A memorial shrine in his honor is currently under construction at this historic location.
This special event in Gorakhpur marked the first time that the celebration of the Guru’s birth took place at the location of his birth — a joyful moment! This was now possible because the property, no longer privately owned, is being developed by the state government into a pilgrimage site (see more below).
Monastics from SRF and YSS participated in the program. They included Swami (Brother) Vishwananda, vice president of SRF and member of the boards of SRF and YSS; and four SRF nuns currently on pilgrimage to Paramahansaji’s homeland, sannyasinis Sisters Ranjana and Yogamayee, and Brahmacharinis Prianca and Smita. They were joined by YSS devotees and friends from across the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Paramahansa Yogananda’s picture, beautifully decorated, on the palanquin.
SRF sannyasinis carrying the palanquin, joined in procession by YSS devotees.
The day’s celebrations began with a Prabhat Feri (procession) along the street approaching Paramahansaji’s birth site. A throng of devotees and friends of YSS, stretching down the length of the street, joined the monastics in continuously and joyously chanting “Jai Guru” — “victory to the Guru” — as they neared the sacred location where the beloved Premavatar, incarnation of divine love, had entered this world.
Swami Vishwananda along with YSS devotees carrying the palanquin.
(From left to right) Sister Ranjana, Brahmacharini Prianca, Brahmacharini Smita,
and Sister Yogamayee join in the devotional chanting at the front of the procession.
This first-ever public birth celebration for Paramahansa Yogananda at the place of his birth was made possible after the state government’s acquisition last year of the property for the purpose of constructing a shrine on the site to honor the great Guru’s life and work. When completed, the shrine — which the government has asked Yogoda Satsanga Society of India to operate — will be a beautiful pilgrimage site for devotees and friends of Paramahansa Yogananda around the globe. It will feature a special shrine room constructed in part from bricks collected from the original family home that existed on this site; a museum; an audio/video presentation room; and a large meditation hall.
The procession was followed by an hour-long program attended by YSS devotees as well as guests and visitors. Some senior government officials were also present.
Swami Vishwananda performs aarti (above) and addresses the gathering.
Swami Vishwananda Giri performed aarti to honor the beloved Guru, followed by chanting by the SRF brahmacharinis. Swami Vishwananda, expressing joy at celebrating Paramahansa Yogananda’s birth anniversary at this sacred spot, conveyed gratitude for the Gorakhpur function on behalf of the YSS/SRF President and spiritual head Swami Chidananda Giri, the YSS/SRF monastics, and the worldwide spiritual family of the great Guru. He also thanked the Uttar Pradesh State Government and all involved in the decision to establish a memorial shrine at this site. Swami Vishwananda, accompanied by Brahmachari Saumyananda, then displayed renderings of the original house where Paramahansaji was born and of the now-under-construction shrine (see images below). This was received with appreciation and applause from the audience.
SRF sannyasinis Sisters Ranjana and Yogamayee shared inspiring anecdotes from Paramahansa Yogananda’s childhood days in Gorakhpur during the first eight years of his life. Swami Vishwananda then offered these words from Sri Daya Mata, former president and sanghamata (“mother of the society”) of Paramahanasaji’s worldwide YSS/SRF organization for more than 50 years:
“Our beloved Guru was so humble that in his autobiography he extolled many sages above himself. But in his God-ordained mission, he is the world avatar of this age; and few of his spiritual stature have walked these mortal shores. One with the Infinite, he lived, moved, and had his being in the ocean of Spirit. He radiated unconditional love; and so fathomless and sublime was his wisdom that we overawed disciples knew that we were drinking from the fount of his mind the very essence of the ponderous Vedas. He could have enthralled millions with his miraculous powers, yet he sought only to stir love for God in the hearts of true devotees, through the greater power of his own God-intoxicated love.”
At the close of the morning program, the YSS/SRF sannyasis, sannyasinis, brahmacharis, and brahmacharinis distributed prasad (blessed food) to more than 400 attendees.
Prasad distribution and pushpanjali (offering of flowers) during the afternoon meditation service.
In the afternoon, the SRF sannyasinis and brahmacharinis led a one-hour meditation at the same site, for devotees who wished to attend. Many present voiced their thanks to God and Gurus for this blessed day on which Gurudeva’s presence was so strongly felt by all.
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