Guru Ravidas Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas, revered as a spiritual poet and saint. Celebrated on Magh Purnima, the full moon day in the month of Magh, this occasion serves as an annual focal point for the festival in India. People from various regions and countries join in the celebration of this special occasion, paying homage to the teachings and contributions of Sant Ravidas.

Date of Celebration

Guru Ravidas Jayanti is observed on Magh Purnima, the full moon day in the month of Magh (January-February), according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The date varies each year but usually falls in February.

Life of Guru Ravidas

• Born: Around 1377 CE in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, in a family of cobblers, Guru Ravidas is believed to have faced caste-based discrimination throughout his life due to his background.
• Philosophy: He was a central figure in the Bhakti movement, advocating for devotion (bhakti) to God as a means to attain salvation. Guru Ravidas taught that caste, creed, and religion are irrelevant in one's spiritual journey.
• Key Message: His teachings focused on equality, universal brotherhood, and the rejection of the caste system. He emphasized that all human beings are equal and that one’s worth is determined by their actions and devotion, not their birth.
• Literary Contribution: Guru Ravidas composed numerous devotional songs and hymns, some of which are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. His poems are rich in spiritual and social messages.
• Legacy: He is a revered figure not only among Ravidasias and Dalits but also in Sikhism. His life and teachings continue to inspire millions in the struggle for social justice and equality.

Celebrations and Traditions

1. Processions: On Guru Ravidas Jayanti, large processions, known as Shobha Yatras, are held in various cities, especially in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and other northern Indian states. In these processions, an image or portrait of Guru Ravidas is placed on a decorated float, and devotees chant hymns and spiritual songs in his honor.

2. Special Prayers: Temples dedicated to Guru Ravidas, such as the Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan Mandir in Varanasi (believed to be his birthplace), host special prayers and kirtans. Devotees gather in large numbers to participate in the religious activities.

3. Kirtans and Bhajans: Devotional songs, kirtans, and bhajans based on Guru Ravidas’s teachings are sung throughout the day. These songs reflect his message of spiritual wisdom, love for God, and the oneness of humanity.

4. Langar (Community Meal): Like other major Sikh festivals, Guru Ravidas Jayanti features the practice of langar—a community kitchen where free meals are served to all, regardless of caste, religion, or background. The tradition of langar symbolizes equality and communal harmony.

5. Visits to Temples: Devotees visit Guru Ravidas temples to offer prayers and seek blessings. The day is considered highly auspicious for his followers, and many people undertake pilgrimages to his birthplace in Varanasi.

6. Discourse on Social Equality: Many religious and social organizations organize seminars, talks, and gatherings on this day to discuss Guru Ravidas’s teachings, especially his fight against caste discrimination and his call for social reform.

Guru Ravidas’s Teachings

Guru Ravidas’s teachings were centered on devotion to God and living a life of righteousness. His core messages include:

• Equality of All People: He rejected the rigid social hierarchy of the caste system, arguing that everyone is equal before God.
• Universal Brotherhood: Guru Ravidas emphasized that human beings should live in harmony, with mutual respect and compassion for each other.
• God is Omnipresent: He believed that God resides in every individual’s heart and that by living a life of devotion and humility, one could attain spiritual liberation.
• Inner Purity Over Rituals: He dismissed the importance of rituals and external practices, advocating instead for inner purity, truthfulness, and moral conduct.
• Work and Worship: Guru Ravidas preached that one should engage in honest work while remembering God through constant devotion.

Hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib

Guru Ravidas’s hymns are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikhs, which indicates the high regard the Sikh Gurus had for him. His hymns emphasize the importance of humility, equality, and devotion to the one universal God. These hymns continue to be recited by both Sikhs and followers of Guru Ravidas in religious ceremonies.

Key Locations of Importance

• Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan Mandir, Varanasi: This temple is considered to be the birthplace of Guru Ravidas and is a major pilgrimage site for his followers. On Guru Ravidas Jayanti, the temple witnesses large crowds of devotees who come to pay their respects.
• Ravidas Temples Across India: Temples dedicated to Guru Ravidas can be found across India, particularly in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, where the day is marked by religious gatherings, kirtans, and community events.

Social and Cultural Impact

Guru Ravidas’s philosophy of equality and social justice had a profound impact on Indian society, especially among the marginalized and oppressed communities. His teachings continue to inspire the Dalit movement and other movements fighting for social justice and equality in modern India. His legacy is a powerful reminder of the need for compassion, unity, and spiritual inclusivity.

Conclusion

Guru Ravidas Jayanti is a day to celebrate the life and teachings of Guru Ravidas, a spiritual leader who challenged societal norms and promoted the ideals of equality, love, and devotion. His vision of a casteless and harmonious society remains relevant today, inspiring people across India and beyond to work towards a more inclusive and just world.