Guru Ravidas’s Birthday, also known as Guru Ravidas Jayanti, celebrates the birth of the 15th-century saint, poet, and social reformer Guru Ravidas. He was born in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and is known for his profound spiritual teachings that promote equality, unity, and the oneness of God.
Guru Ravidas was a key figure in the Bhakti movement and is revered by millions of followers, particularly in the Dalit community. His teachings, which advocate for a casteless society and spiritual freedom, continue to inspire people across India.
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Guru Ravidas’s Birthday Dates in India for 2024, 2025, and 2026
Here are the dates for Guru Ravidas’s Birthday in India for the upcoming years:
The Significance of Guru Ravidas’s Birthday in India
Guru Ravidas is revered as a saint who challenged the social injustices of his time and worked towards creating an egalitarian society. His teachings focused on the unity of all human beings, the rejection of the caste system, and the importance of devotion to God. Guru Ravidas believed in a formless God and preached that one could attain spiritual liberation through devotion, irrespective of caste or social status.
Guru Ravidas’s Birthday is a day to honour his contributions to Indian society and spirituality. It is a time for his followers to reflect on his teachings, participate in religious services, and engage in acts of charity and community service.
How Guru Ravidas’s Birthday is Celebrated in India
Guru Ravidas’s Birthday is celebrated with great reverence and devotion, particularly in states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The day is marked by religious gatherings, processions, and the recitation of Guru Ravidas’s hymns and teachings.
- Prayers and Kirtan: Followers of Guru Ravidas gather in Ravidas temples (gurudwaras) to offer prayers and participate in kirtan (devotional singing). Hymns composed by Guru Ravidas are sung to spread his message of love, unity, and devotion. The day is also marked by special sermons and discourses on the life and teachings of Guru Ravidas.
- Processions (Nagar Kirtan): In many regions, processions known as Nagar Kirtan are organised, where devotees carry images of Guru Ravidas through the streets. The procession is accompanied by the singing of devotional hymns and the chanting of slogans in praise of the saint.
- Reading of Guru Ravidas’s Teachings: Guru Ravidas’s teachings, which are part of the Guru Granth Sahib (the central religious scripture of Sikhism), are read and discussed in temples and religious gatherings. His verses emphasize equality, social justice, and devotion to God.
- Langar (Community Kitchen): As a reflection of Guru Ravidas’s teachings on equality, langars (community meals) are organised in temples and gurudwaras, where food is served to all, regardless of caste or background. Volunteers participate in preparing and serving the meals, highlighting the spirit of selfless service.
Guru Ravidas’s Birthday in Different Parts of India
The celebrations of Guru Ravidas’s Birthday are particularly significant in regions with large numbers of followers of the saint. Each region adds its own unique traditions to the day’s events.
- Punjab: In Punjab, Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated with great devotion, particularly in cities like Jalandhar, Amritsar, and Ludhiana. The followers of Guru Ravidas gather in large numbers at temples dedicated to him, such as the famous Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan in Seer Govardhanpur, Varanasi. The day is marked by special prayers, processions, and community meals.
- Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh, where Guru Ravidas was born, sees grand celebrations on his birthday. In Varanasi, the birthplace of Guru Ravidas, thousands of devotees gather at the Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan Mandir for prayers and celebrations. The temple becomes a hub of activity, with religious services and cultural events taking place throughout the day.
- Maharashtra: In cities like Mumbai and Pune, the followers of Guru Ravidas organise processions and kirtans to celebrate his birthday. Temples dedicated to the saint are decorated, and devotees participate in religious services and langar.
- Haryana and Delhi: In Haryana and Delhi, Guru Ravidas Jayanti is observed with prayers, kirtans, and Nagar Kirtans. Devotees come together in Ravidas temples to honour the saint’s teachings and reflect on his contributions to society.
Guru Ravidas’s Birthday – A Day of Spiritual Reflection and Social Equality
Guru Ravidas’s Birthday is a day to honour the life and teachings of a spiritual leader who dedicated his life to the pursuit of equality, justice, and devotion to God. His teachings continue to inspire people to work towards a society free from caste-based discrimination and social inequality. The celebrations of Guru Ravidas Jayanti serve as a reminder of the values of humility, selflessness, and unity, which remain relevant in today’s world.
For his followers, the day is not only about paying tribute to Guru Ravidas but also about embodying his teachings in their daily lives. Through prayers, processions, and community service, Guru Ravidas’s legacy lives on as a beacon of hope for a more just and equal society.
More Information about Guru Ravidas’s Birthday in India
Is Guru Ravidas’s Birthday a public holiday in India?
Guru Ravidas’s Birthday is observed as a restricted public holiday in many states across India, particularly in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, where large celebrations are held in his honour.
How is Guru Ravidas’s Birthday celebrated in India?
Guru Ravidas’s Birthday is celebrated with prayers, kirtans, processions, and community meals. Temples dedicated to the saint are decorated, and devotees gather to reflect on his teachings and participate in religious services.
What is the significance of Guru Ravidas’s teachings in India?
Guru Ravidas’s teachings focus on social equality, the rejection of the caste system, and devotion to God. His message of unity and spiritual freedom has made him a revered figure in Indian society, particularly among the Dalit community.
Why is langar important during Guru Ravidas’s Birthday celebrations in India?
Langar, the community kitchen, reflects Guru Ravidas’s teachings on equality and selfless service. During Guru Ravidas Jayanti, langar is served in temples and gurudwaras, where everyone is welcome to partake in the meal, regardless of their caste or background.