The commemoration days of YSS Gurus are celebrated with special programmes including meditation, chanting and performance of cultural programmes by Children Sunday Satsanga. Mahavatar Babaji Smriti Divas and Guru Purnima were celebrated by the children of YSS Noida Ashram and Delhi Kendra in August 2018.

YSS Noida Ashram

Nearly 100 children from Noida Ashram's Children Sunday Satsanga and from Paramahansa Yogananda Swarna Bal Vatika (PYSBV) took part in the celebrations of Guru Purnima and Mahavatar Babaji Smiriti Divas on August 5, 2018. The programme was also attended by almost 75 parents.

A chanting competition for children aged 8 to 13 years was conducted during this event. A presentation on the saints of India was made to the children aged 4 to 7 years. Prior to the event, submissions of participants were invited through phone calls, social media and also at Noida Reception desk. On the final day, chanting drew 23 little yogis while 16 children made presentations dressed up as various Indian saints.

Beginning with the practice of Energization Exercises in the pandal, devotee volunteers led with an opening prayer and singing of cosmic chants of Gurudeva Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda. From among senior devotees and volunteers, a team of judges evaluated the performance of the 'young artists' who had to follow a prescribed format.

The chanting competition saw brief presentations of two to three minutes from each participant. Singing confidently one of the cosmic chants of Gurudeva or a bhajan, these young performers presented a beautiful sight (and sound) with their devotional serenading of the Guru. In between the chanting competition and the presentation on saints of India, a one-act play was staged by the kids of PYSBV on "Faith in God." The key message conveyed through the play was that God can do anything. A king can become an ordinary man, and an ordinary one can become the ruler. The skit drew the applause of the audience.

Guruji's little angels now came on the stage to showcase their acting talents with the portrayal of Mahavatar Babaji, Rajarsi Janakanandaji, Gurudeva Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananadaji, Kabir and other popular saints from our country. Dressing up like them, they repeated lines from the lives of these great Indian saints. It was heartening to see that, in a subtle way, these little ones of Gurudeva were imbibing the virtues of these masters at such a tender age.

On this day of commemoration, Swami Lalitanandaji addressed the kids. He appreciated their performances and encouraged them to learn how to sing Guruji's cosmic chants. He inspired them to listen to and absorb the messages conveyed through the stories of saints, and most importantly to learn how to meditate - by regularly attending the Children Sunday Satsanga.

Swamiji gave away presents to the winners - five boys and five girls each from the two groups of chanting and presentation of saints. All the other participants also received gifts from Swamiji.

The attendees then proceeded to perform pushpanjali, and received prasad from Swamiji.

The innovative way of inculcating the virtues of saints and teaching cosmic chants to increase devotion in children was appreciated by most of the devotees.

YSS Delhi Kendra

On August 5, 2018, the special occasions of Mahavatar Babaji Smriti Divas and Guru Purnima were commemorated with a programme by Children Sunday Satsanga at the YSS Delhi Kendra. It drew participation from nearly 30 children and volunteers. The highlight of this event was the installation of a replica of Babaji's gufa (cave) in the premises of the Dhyana Kendra which was used as a meditation spot by the children to remember our great Paramguru - Mahavatar Babaji.