The year 2019 marks the 125th Birth Anniversary Year of Gurudeva Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda -- making it a special year for devotees of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS). 

This year, the Avirbhav celebrations of Gurudeva, also known as Janmotsav, were conducted at YSS Dwarahat Ashram over a three-day-period with various spiritual and charitable activities.

The highlight of these three days were the school children from Yogoda Bal Krishnalaya - a charitable school run on the premises of YSS Dwarahat Ashram.

On the eve of Guruji's birthday, January 4, the Ashram held its annual bhandara (a feast) for the school staff, children as well as devotees. The children especially enjoyed the special feast where they were served by YSS volunteers.

The bhandara held during the day was followed by an evening of spiritual feasting with a special evening meditation conducted by Brahmachari Nirliptanandaji. It was attended by devotees and locals.

Another programme was conducted on the Avirbhav Divas of Sri Sri Paramahansa Yoganandaji on January 5. Schoolchildren gathered outside the Dhyana Mandir of the ashram, and chanted with devotion in the presence of Swami Nityanandaji and other devotees. A brief meditation session followed.

One of the students, Naitik Pandey, spoke about Guruji. In his short speech, he also mentioned a quote by Guruji wherein He urges everyone to seek God as the goal of life.

Swami Nityanandaji then blessed the gathering of students, teachers, parents and devotees, elaborating on Guruji’s greatness and urging the parents and teachers to follow Guruji’s teachings because it was the fastest route to God.

He urged them to benefit from, and not miss out on, the teachings that had put Dwarahat on the world map.

Following Swamiji’s address, special gifts were handed out to the students and staff. These included the bi-annual scholarships to 40 bright students from financially weak families.

On the special occasion of the 125th Birth Anniversary of Gurudeva, two pairs of thermal wear each were presented to the students. All the teachers and staff of the ashram received a shawl each. The thermal wear and shawls were special donations from very generous YSS devotees.

Later in the day, Brahmachari Nirliptanandaji led a special evening meditation with chants, bhajans, aarti and pushpanjali. It was followed by a video show. 

On January 6, Sunday, the Janmotsav celebrations continued with a six-hour-long meditation conducted by Brahmachari Nirliptanandaji. During the meditation, the audio of Guruji’s voice was played, cosmic chants and bhajans were sung. The celebrations culminated with a special evening meditation again led by Brahmachari Nirliptanandaji followed by a video show.

To view images, click here.