Gita Press, Gorakhpur

Gita Press, Gorakhpur is one of the world's largest publishers of Hindu religious texts and one of India's most iconic publishing institutions.

Founded: 1923, by Jaydayal Goyandka and Hanuman Prasad Poddar (affectionately known as Bhaiji).

Mission: To make Hindu scriptures and spiritual literature accessible to the common people at the lowest possible cost — not for profit, but as a form of seva (selfless service).

Key Facts:

Located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
Has published over 70 crore (700 million+) copies of books across its history
Famous publications include the Ramcharitmanas, Bhagavad Gita, Shrimad Bhagavatam, and the beloved magazine Kalyan (since 1927)
Books are sold at deeply subsidized prices, often just a few rupees
Operates entirely on a no-profit, no-loss basis — no advertisements, no government funding

Kalyan Magazine: One of India's longest-running spiritual magazines, published since 1927. Special annual issues (Kalyan Anka) on themes like the Gita, Ramayana, and devotion have become collector's items.

Recognition: In 2021, Gita Press was awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize by the Government of India, recognizing its century-long contribution to cultural and spiritual literature.

It remains a living institution of faith — millions of Hindu households across India and the diaspora have Gita Press editions of sacred texts on their shelves.