According to Indian history, Saint Ravidas came to the earth during 1377 C.E at Manduadih in Varanasi, UP and his followers claim that he took birth on the full moon day of Magha, which is why his birthday is celebrated on the Magha Poornima. The place where he took birth is worshiped by his followers and called Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan.
When is Guru Ravidas Jayanti is Celebrated?
On the occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti, the state governments of Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh declare a public holiday. According to the Hindu Calendar, Guru Ravidasji took birth on the Magha Poornima in the Dalit family who were untouchables, therefore it is celebrated on Magha Poornima every year.
In the year of 2023, Magha Poornima was celebrated on Feb 5, Sunday.
Ravidas Jayanti will be commemorated on the 12th of February 2025 which will be the 548th Birth anniversary of Ravidas.
Why is Sant Ravidas Jayanti is Celebrated?
Saint Ravidas was among those who spoke out in favor of fundamental and independent human rights within society, and he promoted equality in the caste system. He rose to prominence in the Bhakti Movement as a teacher of devotion and a campaigner for egalitarianism focused on independence from the restrictions of the caste system that ruled India. Guru Ravidas also used to compose religious hymns and poetry and some of his compositions are added to the holy book of Sikh The Guru Granth Sahib.
How is Guru Ravidas Jayanti is Celebrated?
To honor his birth anniversary, marches with his image are held in the city, especially in Seer Goverdhanpur, which attracts a lot of followers. In the shrines dedicated to Guru Ravidas, Sikh teachings are chanted as well as hymns. Nevertheless, the largest event is held at Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan Mandir in Seer Goverdhanpur, where millions of devotees assemble to mark the anniversary.
Significance of Ravidas Jayanti
A very respected and revered individual of the Hindu enlightenment, Meera Bai is reputed to be a devotee of Saint Ravidas. The Ravidassia faith, which derives its foundation from the Guru’s principles, holds that Guru Ravidas, who flourished preceding the first Sikh Guru and whose scriptures the Sikh Gurus followed, deserves to be revered as a saint alongside the other gurus. Ravidassia has recently broken away from the traditional Sikh hierarchy as a result of the conflicts this has produced with Sikhs in recent decades.