Punjab govt launches year-long events to mark 650th anniv of Guru Ravidas

Jalandhar: Holding the state-level function to commemorate the 649th anniversary of Guru Ravidas at the historical place of Khuralgarh in Hoshiarpur on Friday, the Aam Aadmi Party govt on Friday launched year-long observances to commemorate the 650th anniversary. The day started with the Bhog of Akhand Path (uninterrupted recitation of Guru Granth Sahib) in the morning, followed by religious discourses and kirtan. Addressing the gathering, chief minister Bhagwant Mann announced year-long congregations till Feb 20, 2027; expansion of the Guru Ravidass Memorial at Khuralgarh, where the function was held on Friday; and establishment of the Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Research Centre at Faridpur, near Dera Ballan. He assured that no financial constraint would be allowed to dilute the scale or sanctity of the celebrations.On the occasion, several Sants, who head different deras of the Ravidasia/Ad-dharmi community, also participated. CM said that the state govt would seek guidance from the Sant Samaj. Describing himself as a humble participant in the congregation, CM said, "The state govt recently commemorated the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji through a series of events; likewise, year-long programmes are chalked out to celebrate the 650th anniversary of Guru Ravidas." He added that he felt blessed to be connected to this sacred land."To perpetuate the teachings and philosophy of Guru Ravidas, the state govt established Chairs at Punjab University and Guru Nanak Dev University to undertake research," he said. He said that the state govt purchased 12 acres of land in villages Faridpur and Nau Gaza in Jalandhar at a cost of ₹10 crore for setting up the Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Research Centre. Addressing the gathering, AAP Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia said, "I feel fortunate to have the privilege of visiting the sacred land of Khuralgarh, which bears the footprints of Guru Ravidas." Punjab ministers, MPs, and MLAs also attended the event. The state govt had arranged public transport buses to bring the devotees from different places to the event.Arrangements praisedAddressing the event, the Sant Samaj praised the state govt for making elaborate arrangements to commemorate the 649th anniversary and to plan the year-long events. Sri Guru Ravidas Sadhu Sampardai Society president Sant Nirmal Dass Jaure Wale said, "On behalf of the entire Sant Samaj, I express special thanks to the CM for outlining comprehensive events at a broad level dedicated to the anniversary." He said that Guru Ravidas spent over 4 years in devotion at Khuralgarh. Sant Pradeep Das from Dera Ballan termed the occasion historic and appreciated the state govt for providing 10 acres of land near Dera Ballan to establish the research centre.PM had visited Dera Ballan On Feb 1Most of the Sants from the Ravidasia community who attended the event on Friday at Khuralgarh follow Guru Granth Sahib. Dera Ballan, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Ravidas Jayanti event on Feb 1, reveres a separate granth, "Amrit Bani Guru Ravidas". Dera Ballan announced a new religion, ‘Ravidasia', with the new granth, in 2010, but several Sants and deras of the community refused to follow the decision and announced that they would continue following Guru Granth Sahib. MSID: 127991646 413 |