Guru Ravidas Jayanti is a celebration of the birth of Guru Ravidas, a 15th-century poet, saint, and social reformer. The day is marked on the full moon day of the Hindu calendar’s Magh month and falls in the month of February. It is celebrated with great joy and fervor by devotees in several states of India, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, and others.
Date The birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas is celebrated on Magh Purnima, which is the full moon day in the Hindu month of Magh. Although the exact date of his birth is not known, it is believed to have been in 1377 C.E. in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This year, Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated on February 5, Sunday.
History and Significance
Guru Ravidas was a contemporary of Kabir Das and was a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement. He is famous for his opposition to the caste system and his teachings of equality and unity. His teachings emphasize the importance of treating all people equally, regardless of their caste, gender, or status.
Guru Ravidas taught the removal of social divisions and promoted unity in the pursuit of personal spiritual freedom. His devotional verses were included in the Sikh scriptures known as Guru Granth Sahib, and his teachings are widely followed by his devotees in northern India. An event is organized every year at Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan Mandir (Guru Ravidas’ birthplace) to remember him and celebrate his teachings.
Celebrations
On Guru Ravidas Jayanti, devotees mark the day by performing aarti and taking a holy dip at the ghats of Varanasi, his birthplace. The day is celebrated with utmost joy and fervor, with people remembering Guru Ravidas’ teachings and his work towards reforming society and removing the biases of the caste system.
Guru Ravidas Jayanti is a celebration of the life and teachings of a spiritual leader and social reformer who fought for equality and unity. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of treating all people equally and working towards a society free of prejudices and biases. The teachings of Guru Ravidas continue to inspire and guide people to this day.