Guru Ravidas Jayanti is an important festival celebrated in honor of the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, a revered saint, poet, and social reformer from the Bhakti movement. Celebrated on Magh Purnima, the full moon day in the Hindu month of Magh (usually in February), Guru Ravidas Jayanti is a day of devotion, reflection, and celebration of the saint’s teachings on equality, compassion, and spiritual freedom. His life and messages resonate strongly with the values of human dignity and social justice, making this day significant for his followers and admirers worldwide.
The Life and Legacy of Guru Ravidas
Guru Ravidas was born in the 15th century in Seer Goverdhanpur, a small village near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to a family of leatherworkers, a profession considered low-caste at the time. Despite facing caste-based discrimination, Ravidas pursued a spiritual path, becoming a prominent saint and poet whose teachings challenged social injustices and focused on the oneness of humanity. He preached that everyone, regardless of their caste or social status, has equal access to God and spiritual enlightenment.
Guru Ravidas’s teachings were a part of the Bhakti movement, a devotional trend that spread across India between the 15th and 17th centuries, emphasizing personal devotion to God over rigid religious rituals and discrimination. His devotional songs and poetry, written in simple yet powerful language, spoke against the caste system, superstitions, and empty rituals. Ravidas believed in a formless, all-encompassing God, and he conveyed his devotion through his poetry, many of which are preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
Guru Ravidas’s influence spread far and wide, and he gained followers across all sections of society. Among his prominent disciples was the saint-poet Mirabai, who regarded him as her spiritual guide. His teachings continue to inspire people today, especially those working toward equality and social justice, as he is seen as a champion for the marginalized and oppressed.
How Guru Ravidas Jayanti is Celebrated
Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm, especially among followers of Guru Ravidas, known as Ravidasis, as well as members of the Dalit community. Celebrations are particularly vibrant in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and other northern states of India. The focal point of these celebrations is the Guru Ravidas temple in Seer Goverdhanpur, his birthplace, which attracts thousands of pilgrims on this auspicious day.
The day begins with early morning prayers, or aarti, and the recitation of Shabads (devotional hymns) written by Guru Ravidas. Devotees gather in temples, particularly in the Guru Ravidas temples, to participate in spiritual programs that honor his life and teachings. Special processions known as nagar kirtans are organized, where people walk through streets singing hymns, with some devotees carrying Guru Ravidas’s portraits, and decorated floats displaying scenes from his life and his contributions to social reform.
One of the central aspects of Guru Ravidas Jayanti celebrations is the langar, a community meal organized by devotees. This meal is offered to everyone without discrimination, symbolizing equality and the inclusive values promoted by Guru Ravidas. People from all backgrounds come together to share this meal, embodying his message of unity and dignity for all.
In recent years, Guru Ravidas Jayanti has also become a global celebration. Indian communities abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, observe this day in temples and community centers, bringing together followers to honor Guru Ravidas’s teachings on equality and compassion.
The Teachings and Relevance of Guru Ravidas Today
Guru Ravidas’s teachings remain deeply relevant today, as they address issues of social inequality and the pursuit of inner peace. He advocated for a society free from discrimination and advocated for values like love, compassion, and respect for all people, regardless of their caste or social standing. His vision of a just society resonates with modern movements for social justice and equality, making him a revered figure not only for his spiritual teachings but also for his dedication to human rights.
Guru Ravidas’s emphasis on a formless God and personal devotion is also seen as a call for individuals to seek spirituality within themselves, without relying on external rituals. His famous verse, “Begampura Shehar Ka Naao” (City without Sorrow), envisions an ideal world where everyone lives with dignity, free from suffering and oppression. This message of hope and inclusivity continues to inspire people to strive for a more compassionate and equitable society.
In essence, Guru Ravidas Jayanti is more than a celebration; it is a time to reflect on the teachings of a saint who sought to uplift humanity, bridge social divides, and create a world where love and equality prevail.
