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.