The ideal of love for God and service to humanity found full expression in the life of Paramahansa Yogananda. He came on earth for the purpose of spiritually uniting East and West, to awaken divine yearnings in all hearts. He was practical in his methods; his teachings and life bespoke the wisdom of a true man of God. He carried the maxim of “a sound mind in a sound body” a step further; emphasizing, for the attainment of lasting happiness, the necessity for conscious soul communion with the Infinite Spirit.
— An excerpt from Paramahansa Yogananda: In Memoriam
January 5 marks the Janmotsav, the sacred occasion of the birth of our beloved Gurudeva, Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda. Born Mukunda Lal Ghosh in 1893, in Gorakhpur, into a devout Bengali family, Yoganandaji began his life’s work with the founding, in 1917, of Yogoda Satsanga Society (YSS) to make available, in India and neighbouring countries, the universal teachings of Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millenniums ago in India.
As a mark of gratitude to our beloved Gurudeva Paramahansa Yoganandaji for his life-transforming Kriya Yoga teachings, his Janmotsav was commemorated with two special online events this year.
Janmotsav Six-hour Meditation
Sunday, January 4, 2026
9:40 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (IST)
A special commemorative six-hour meditation was led by YSS sannyasis on Sunday, January 4. This spiritually uplifting event was live-streamed from the YSS Ranchi ashram and included periods of devotional chanting, inspirational readings, and meditation.
Janmotsav Commemorative Meditation and Discourse
Monday, January 5, 2026
6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. (IST)
This programme included a period of chanting and meditation, followed by an inspiring discourse in English by a YSS sannyasi on the spiritual blessings of receiving the guidance of a true guru and his soul-liberating teachings.
On this occasion, YSS ashrams, kendras, and mandalis also conducted in-person commemorative programmes in a spirit of reverence and devotion. Please click here to locate a YSS location near you.
This sacred day brings a special opportunity to Gurudeva’s devotees for offering their heartfelt gratitude to our beloved Paramahansaji for sharing the life-changing teachings of Kriya Yoga with India and the world.
If you wish to offer pranami, you may do so through the link provided below.
