The celebrations of Christmas at Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram, Dwarahat, included special meditations and commemorative programmes.

In keeping with the tradition of celebrating Christmas with day-long meditations started by Gurudeva Paramahansa Yogananda, an eight-hour meditation was conducted at the ashram on December 22, 2019. Brahmachari Nirliptananda led the first half of the meditation, while the other half was led by Swami Lalitananda. The sessions included chanting, listening to recordings of Guruji’s voice, meditation, reading from The Second Coming of Christ and singing of Christmas songs.

The Christmas eve, December 24, was marked by a special meditation session conducted in the evening. This included chanting, meditation and singing of Christmas songs, followed by arati

On December 25, a special meditation session was led by Swami Lalitananda which included chanting, meditation, and a brief talk by Swamiji where he shared excerpts from Gurudeva’s writings on Jesus Christ. This was followed by arati, pushpanjali, and bhajans. After the programme, devotees were served a special meal.

On December 31, the New Year’s midnight meditation was conducted from 11.30 pm to 12.15 am by Swami Lalitananda. As the clock struck 12, devotees were thrilled to hear Paramahansa Yoganandaji’s voice to inspire them for the coming year.

At the end of the programme, everyone exchanged greetings for the New Year 2020 outside the meditation hall. Receiving a treat of hot milk and cake as prasad from the YSS sannyasis, they started the New Year on “a sweet and spiritual note.”