Nation Observes the 645th Birth Anniversary of Guru Ravidas Ji


Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2022: Guru Ravidas Jayanti was observed on February 16, 2022, in honour of the birthday of Guru Ravidas.

Key Facts:

  • This year was the 645th birth anniversary of guru Ravidas also known as Raidas who was one of the most renowned saints of the North Indian Bhakti movement.
  • He is revered for his works against casteism.
  • This festival is celebrated with joviality in North India, specifically in Punjab

Note: Due to Ravidas Jayanti, the Election Commission had postponed the single-phase state assembly poll date of Punjab from 14 February to 20 February earlier this month.

  • The Delhi government has declared February 16 as public holiday.

About Guru Ravidas:

  • Guru Ravidas (1377-1527 C.E.) was born in the 14th century near the holy city of Varanasi.
  • However, the exact date of the birth of Guru Ravidas is not known but it is widely believed that he was born in 1377 C.E in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
  • According to the Hindu calendar, he was born on Magha Purnima. Therefore, his birth anniversary is observed on Magha Purnima as per the Hindu lunar calendar.
  • The saint-poet of the Bhakti movement is also known as is known by various names Raidas, Rohidas, and Ruhidas.
  • He was a poet, a spiritual figure and also, a social reformer.
  • The Ravidassia religion is said to have been founded by him.
  • His birthplace is now known as Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan and it is a major place of pilgrimage for the followers of Guru Ravidas

Significance:

  • This day holds great importance to the followers of the saint.
  • Guru Ravidas was one among the first to use poetry and spiritual teachings to challenge the Indian caste system and disseminate the message of equality.
  • He advocated for equality and dignity for all, irrespective of their caste.
  • He promoted gender parity and opposed the division of society based on gender or caste.
  • He was also the spiritual guide of another prominent Bhakti movement poet -- Meera Bai.
  • He was a close friend and disciple of Sant Kabir.
  • He contributed to as many as 40 devotional poems and songs in Guru Granth Sahib.
  • The Ravidassia religion is said to have been founded by him.

How is the day celebrated?

  • A grand celebration is organized at Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan Mandir, built at his birthplace in Varanasi.
  • His followers take a holy dip and offer prayers at temples dedicated to the saint.
  • On this day, the followers of Guru Ravidas read Amritbani Guru Ravidas Ji and perform special aarti in his honour.
  • A Nagar Kirtan possession is taken out on the streets.

Some Inspirational Quotes Guru Ravidas:

  • "If God actually resides in every human being, then it's quite futile to segregate persons on the basis of castes, creeds and other such hierarchical social orders."
  • "If your heart is pure, the water in your bathtub is holy water. You need not go anywhere to take a holy dip."
  • "A person is not big or small by status or birth, he is weighed by his virtues or deeds."

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