Guru Ravidass Jayanti Explained

Holiday Name:Guru Ravidass Jayanti
Type:Sikh
Observedby:Sikhs
Longtype:Religious, cultural
Significance:Commemoration of the birth of Ravidas
Date:Purnima Tithi (Full Moon day) in the month of Magh
Date2020:[1]
Date2021:[2]
Date2023:5th February 2023
Celebrations:Gurudwaras are decorated, and prayers are organised.
Guru Granth Sahib is read across the country.
Devotees dress in the manner as Ravidas.
Date2024:February 24, 2024
Frequency:Annual

Guru Ravidass Jayanti is the birthday of Ravidas,  celebrated on Magh Purnima, the full moon day in the month of Magh month. It is the annual focal point for the festival in India; People across countries celebrate this special occasion in India. Also, devotees take a holy dip in the river to perform rites. The 2020 date for the Jayanti was 9 February, and the 2021 date was 16 February.

He is known as a spiritual man and also as a social reformer because of his work against casteism. He was contemporary to saint Kabir.

Birth

Ravidas was born in the village Seer Goverdhanpur.[3] He was contemporary to Bhagat Kabir, and has a number of recorded interactions with Kabir Ji on spirituality.[4]

Celebration

Ravidas' birth is celebrated as Guru Ravidass Jayanti in Punjab. He is revered due to his spirituality and works against casteism like other 10 Sikh gurus.[5] [6] He was a spiritual man.[7] On this day, his followers bathe in the holy rivers. Then, they take inspiration from their Ravidas by remembering the great events and miracles related to his life. His devotees go to his place of birth and celebrate his birthday on Ravidas Jayanti.[8]

Significance

Guru Ravidass Jayanti marks the birth of Ravidas, who is well-known for making efforts in eradicating caste system. He has also contributed to the Bhakti movement,[9] and is well-recognized as a good friend and disciple of Kabir. Mirabai was his disciple.[10]

Guru Ravidass Jayanti has a special significance among the people following Sikhism, specially who follows Ravidassia sect, and other people who in any way revere Ravidas like some of the Kabirpanthis and other religions.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: National Portal of India. 3 August 2020. www.india.gov.in.
  2. Web site: National Portal of India. 3 August 2020. www.india.gov.in.
  3. Web site: Singh. Archana. 7 July 2014. Sant Ravidas - Biography (Jivani), History, Jayanti, Death. 1 October 2020. en-US.
  4. Web site: 6 February 2020. Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2020: Date, Birth Anniversary, Story, Quotes . 2 October 2020. S A News. en-US.
  5. News: PM Narendra Modi pays tributes to Guru Ravidas . The Economic Times . PTI . 3 February 2015 . 2 October 2020.
  6. News: In times of hatred, Sant Ravidas' beliefs most relevant today: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra . The Times of India . 10 February 2020 . 3 October 2020.
  7. Web site: 22 February 2016. Guru Ravidas Jayanti—Why it is celebrated!. 20 January 2021. Zee News. en.
  8. Web site: Ravidas Jayanti In Varanasi News, Ravidas Jayanti In Varanasi की ताज़ा ख़बर, Ravidas Jayanti In Varanasi हिंदी न्यूज़ page1. 2 October 2020. www.livehindustan.com.
  9. News: President greets nation on occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti . Zee News . 23 February 2005 . 1 January 2024 .
  10. Web site: Excelsior. Daily. 9 February 2017. Santan Mein Ravidas Sant Hain. 20 January 2021. Jammu Kashmir Latest News Tourism Breaking News J&K. en-US.