Guru Ravidass Jayanti Celebrated on 12 Feb
The occasion marks a significant moment in the country's social and cultural calendar, with millions of devotees coming together to commemorate the life and teachings of Guru Ravidass, who preached against social evils like caste inequalities and untouchability, and continues to inspire people with his message of equality, justice, and devotion.
Guru Ravidass Jayanti, marking the 648th birth anniversary of the 15th-16th century Indian poet-saint, will be celebrated on February 12, with several states declaring public holidays to commemorate the occasion.
Guru Ravidass, a key proponent of the North Indian bhakti movement, envisioned a society free from fear, rulers, taxes, caste-based hierarchies, and spatial restrictions, known as Begumpura. His philosophy emphasized the primacy of inner purity over ritualistic ablutions in sacred rivers, and he introduced an alternative form of bhakti that rejected temple-based rituals and advocated devotion to nirankar, the formless God.
The poet-saint's vision of Begumpura promoted harmonious living, dignity of labour, and social equality, rejecting caste-based hierarchies and untouchability. His commitment to self-respect and dignity of labour, as well as his devotion to a formless God, free from rituals and pilgrimages, made him revered among his community. His verses, enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, articulate his philosophy, emphasizing the importance of remembrance of God and rejecting other activities.
As a result of the celebrations, all schools and colleges in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi will remain closed on February 12, with traffic restrictions imposed in various areas due to a Dharam Sabha and shobha yatra. The public holiday has been declared for all government and public sector employees in Delhi, allowing them to participate in the celebrations and pay tribute to the revered spiritual figure.
