Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2025: Delhi Declares Public Holiday to Honor the Great Saint

Politics Politics of India

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-02-12 08:49:42 |

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 30

---

The Delhi government has declared February 12, 2025, as a public holiday to observe Guru Ravidas Jayanti. This decision ensures that all government offices, autonomous bodies, and public sector undertakings will remain closed for the day. This move is a tribute to the spiritual leader and social reformer Guru Ravidas, whose teachings continue to inspire generations.Guru Ravidas Jayanti celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, a 15th-century saint and poet of the Bhakti movement. His teachings emphasized equality, humanity, love, and devotion to God, making him one of the most revered figures in Indian spiritual history.

The day is widely celebrated across India, especially in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Delhi. The celebrations include grand processions, devotional songs (bhajans), spiritual discourses, and prayers in temples dedicated to Guru Ravidas. His followers, particularly from the Ravidassia community, observe this occasion with immense devotion.

Who Was Guru Ravidas?

Guru Ravidas was born in 1450 in Seer Govardhanpur, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), during a time when the caste system was deeply ingrained in Indian society. Despite facing discrimination, he rose above social divisions and preached a message of universal brotherhood, humility, and devotion to God.

Key Teachings of Guru Ravidas:

Equality for All: He strongly opposed the caste system and preached that all humans are equal regardless of birth or social status.

Devotion to One God: Guru Ravidas believed in Nirgun Bhakti (formless God) and encouraged people to worship with a pure heart rather than focusing on rituals.

Freedom from Material Desires: He emphasized inner purity over material wealth and taught that spiritual enlightenment is the ultimate goal.

Social Reform: His teachings were aimed at eradicating social discrimination and building a society based on love, peace, and righteousness.

Inspiration in Sikhism: 41 of Guru Ravidas’s hymns are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. His spiritual guidance influenced Guru Nanak and other Sikh Gurus.

How is Guru Ravidas Jayanti Celebrated?

Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm across different regions. Here’s how it is observed:

1. Nagar Kirtan and Processions

Large processions (Nagar Kirtan) are taken out in Punjab, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, where devotees sing hymns and chant the teachings of Guru Ravidas.

People carry Guru Ravidas’s idol in a decorated chariot, and followers join in by reciting Shabads (devotional hymns).

2. Special Prayers at Temples

Devotees visit Guru Ravidas temples, the most famous being the Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan Mandir in Varanasi. Bhajans, Kirtans, and Ardas (prayers) are organized in temples and community centers.

Langars (free community meals) are arranged, where thousands of people gather and eat together, symbolizing equality.

3. Devotees Take a Holy Dip in Sacred Rivers It is believed that taking a holy dip in the Ganges or other sacred rivers on Guru Ravidas Jayanti washes away sins and brings spiritual enlightenment.

Many devotees from Punjab and Haryana visit Varanasi to pay their respects at Guru Ravidas’s birthplace.

4. Spiritual Discourses and Teachings

Scholars and spiritual leaders deliver discourses on Guru Ravidas’s life and explain his teachings.Many followers read from Amritbani Guru Ravidas Ji, a book containing his teachings and hymns.

5. Community Service and Charity Devotees engage in seva (selfless service) by distributing food, clothes, and essential items to the poor.Many organizations conduct blood donation camps and charitable activities in honor of Guru Ravidas’s message of humanity.

Go!