Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2025 in India

Guru Ravidas Jayanti celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, a 15th-century saint and social reformer known for his teachings on equality, unity, and spirituality. The day is marked by prayers, processions, and recitals of his hymns, inspiring harmony and inclusivity.

Guru Ravidas Jayanti: A Public Holiday?

Guru Ravidas Jayanti is a public holiday in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and some northern states of India. In other parts of the country, Guru Ravidas Jayanti is often observed as an optional holiday, allowing individuals to take the day off if listed under their optional holiday choices.

Guru Ravidas Jayanti

Guru Ravidas Jayanti celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, a 15th-century saint, poet, and social reformer. Born in Varanasi, he is revered for his teachings that emphasized equality, unity, and the importance of devotion to God. Guru Ravidas challenged social hierarchies and worked towards eliminating caste-based discrimination, advocating for a society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. His devotional hymns, many of which are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, reflect his spiritual insights and vision for a harmonious world. Guru Ravidas Jayanti is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Magha, which usually falls in February.

Guru Ravidas Jayanti Celebration in India

Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated with devotion, especially in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, with many visiting the Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan Mandir in Varanasi, a key pilgrimage site. Devotees participate in prayers, kirtans, and processions carrying the Guru's portrait or his teachings. Special programs are organized to recite his hymns, and his messages of equality and spirituality are shared among the followers. Langars (community meals) are also organized in temples and community centers to emphasize his belief in unity and service to humanity.

In some regions, cultural events and debates are held to discuss the relevance of Guru Ravidas's teachings in contemporary times. Educational institutions and organizations organize seminars and lectures to spread awareness about his contributions to society. His followers, especially from the Ravidassia community, observe the day with immense devotion and pride.

Guru Ravidas Jayanti holds immense spiritual and social significance. The day reminds people of Guru Ravidas's unwavering commitment to social equality and his vision of a casteless, inclusive society. His teachings continue to inspire movements for social justice and equality. By celebrating his birth anniversary, people honor his contributions and strive to live by his principles of compassion, humility, and devotion. The festival serves as a unifying force, spreading the message of harmony and encouraging individuals to build a more equitable society.

Guru Ravidas Jayanti Observances