Guru Ravidas Jayanti
Guru Ravidas Jayanti, celebrated on Magh Purnima, the full moon day in the month of Magh, will fall on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025.
This day marks the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, a popular saint and spiritual reformer, which is observed with great devotion in India.
The observance includes rituals such as attending prayer meets, holy dips in rivers, and cultural celebrations to honor his teachings of equality and unity.
Successor to Saint Kabir, Guru Ravidas is still known for his tremendous work against the caste system.
The Origin of Guru Ravidas Jayanti
The inception of Guru Ravidas Jayanti goes back to the 15th century to honor the birth of Ravidas. Although, the exact founding date is not recorded, it has been observed for centuries by devotees who are influenced by his principles and lessons on equality, social reform and spirituality.
It started to honor Guru Ravidas's role in Bhakti movement and fighting against discrimination based on caste system.
Over the years, it developed into an annual observance that gained recognition worldwide, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
About Guru Ravidas
Guru Ravidas was born in a village called Seer Goverdhanpur near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. His birthplace is now known as Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan which is a holy site for his devotees.
Being born in the Chamar community who were traditionally involved in leather work, he also initially worked in leather. However, he was very drawn to spirituality and spent a good amount of time meditating by the Ganges.
Ravidas spent time with Sufi saints, ascetics, and sadhus, which shaped his spiritual path.
It is mentioned in some medieval texts like Bhaktamal, that Ravidas was a disciple of the Bhakti poet, Ramananda and also a follower of Saint Kabir.
According to the Ratnavali, Ravidas followed the tradition of Ramanandi Sampradaya and his teachings totally disapproved of the caste system, and promoted spiritual equality that made everyone including Brahmins respect him.
Ravidas traveled across India and visited pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the Himalayas.
He moved from worshiping gods with form (or saguna) to focusing on formless devotion (or nirguna). He composed hymns in regional language
He also composed hymns in regional languages that inspired people from all backgrounds to follow his footsteps.
It is also believed that Ravidas met Guru Nanak who founded Sikhism and his teachings influenced Sikh philosophy.
Forty-one of his poems are included in the Adi Granth, the sacred scripture of Sikhism, making them one of the earliest records of his ideas.
The 1693 Sikh text Premambodha and the 17th-century Parcais of Anantadas contain myths and tales about Ravidas.
Over time, manuscripts like the Parcais of Anantadas recorded Ravidas's life and teachings. Scholars such as Winnand Callewaert have analyzed these texts to separate genuine accounts from later additions. Despite some variations in the sources, Ravidas's legacy as a leader of equality and spiritual reform continues to inspire people from diverse religions and communities.
How Guru Ravidass Jayanti is Celebrated
On this day, devotees organize grand parades or Shobha Yatra featuring devotional dance, music, and portrayals of Guru Ravidass's life and teachings.
People decorate temples and homes with lights and flowers to celebrate, and devotees visit temples dedicated to Guru Ravidass to offer prayers and take place in spiritual sermons.
Hymns and kirtans based on his verses are sung to inspire faith and unity.
Highlighting Guru Ravidass’s message of selfless service, many participate in charitable acts like hosting free meals (langars), giving away clothing, or helping those in need.
Educational institutions and community centers organize programs to spread awareness about Guru Ravidass’s principles and impact.
His ideals of equality, respect for humanity, and devotion to God are conveyed through talks, theatrical performances, and interactive discussions.
