Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2023 (Sun, 5th Feb – 647th Birth Anniversary) 

Guru Ravidas Jayanti is an important holiday in India, which falls on 5th February 2023. It marks the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, who is also known as Bhagat Ravidas. He was an Indian poet and saint who contributed significantly to the Bhakti movement. The festival is celebrated with zeal across North India on Magh Purnima. The day is significant because it honors the efforts of Guru Ravidas, who worked against casteism and contributed to social reformation. Traditionally, the devotees take a dip in the river as a way to pay their homage. This ritual is followed by remembering Guru Ravidas and his life.

When is Sant Ravidas Jayanti in 2023?

Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day of Magh month. Thus, the date changes every year based on the phase of the moon. In 2023, Ravidas Jayanti will be celebrated on the 5^th of February, Sunday. 

How is Ravidas Jayanti Celebrated?

Saint Ravidas was born in Varanasi, which is why numerous devotees from all parts of the world come together in Varanasi every year and celebrate his birth anniversary. The exquisite celebrations include the ritual of taking a dip in the river. 

Nishan Sahib, the Sikh flag, is also exchanged in the ceremony. Gurudwaras organise prayers and nagar kirtan. Moreover, the portrait of saint Ravidas is taken around the city in a grand procession. Everyone, from the common public to politicians, participates in the festivities and celebrates the festival with enthusiasm.

These rituals are followed by a commemoration at Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Ashthan Mandir, Seer Goverdhanpur, in Varanasi, where devotees remember Guru Ravidas and his teachings.

Below are some other rituals and celebrations that mark the day:

• Gurudwaras across the country are decorated, and prayers are organised.
• Amritbani, the holy book of the Ravidassia religion, is read across the country.
• Devotees dress in the manner as Guru Ravidas did to honour his legacy.

Why is Ravidas Jayanti Celebrated?

Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated in remembrance of Guru Ravidas, who played an essential role in the Bhakti movement during the 15^th and 16^th centuries. He was a disciple of Saint Kabir. He had Mirabai as his disciple. 

Several hymns and verses written by him found a place in Guru Granth Sahib, which is the holy book for the Sikhs. His spiritual teachings were popular among his disciples. He worked towards social reformation by convincing people against casteism. 

There is also a religion known as the Ravidassia religion, which is dedicated to Ravidas Ji. The festival holds special importance for people of this religion, and with Sikhs and Kabirpanthis. Devotees dedicate the day to remember him, his words, and his teachings that form the basis of their value system.

Sant Ravidas Jayanti History

Guru Ravidas, born in 1377 C.E. in Manduadih, Varanasi, was revered for his spiritual teachings and social reforms. His heartwarming poems were immensely popular and still hold much importance. The Adi Granth, the sacred texts of Sikhism, contain 40 poems by Guru Ravidas, who made notable contributions during the Bhakti movement. 

Apart from being deeply involved in spirituality, he attracted devotees because of his opposition to social injustices like casteism. His work towards communal friendship and equality was highly praised, making him a highly appreciated social leader. 

The Ravidassia religion is based on his spiritual values and teachings. His devotees thus feel a connection with his birthplace, which has been named ‘Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan’. His birthday is also celebrated to pay tribute to his work and respect him for consistently being a guiding light for his devotees. 

The first Sant Ravidas Jayanti was celebrated 646 years ago. Over the years, people have been paying their respects every year on his birthday.

Who is Guru Ravidas?

Guru Ravidas was born to a family belonging to the Harijan caste in the Seer Goverdhanpur village in Varanasi, UP. While his actual birthdate is unknown, he is known to be born on the day of the full moon during Magh month. He belonged to a humble family where his father worked as a Sarpanch at Raja Nagat Mal’s court and also as a shoemaker and mender. 

The legend is that Guru Ravidas has been a staunch believer in God since he was a child. However, he struggled with discriminatory behaviour from people of the upper castes. He was brave and wanted to change it all. His teachings were thus centered around equality and benevolence. He was a poet who wrote about the facts of life and the spirit of brotherhood. 

When he started with his spiritual lessons, Guru Ravidas was often referred to as the untouchable guru, and many complained about him to the king. This led to him being banned from talking about God. He also faced similar discrimination as a child when he was prohibited from going to the Pathshala of Guru, Pt. Sharda Nand, by the upper caste people. Guru, Pt. Sharda Nand, however, saw his potential and recognised him as a Godly child. He started teaching him and predicted that his knowledge, behaviour, and zest would make Ravidas a spiritually enlightened social reformer one day.

Final Word

Guru Ravidas was a great spiritual teacher who broke the shackles of caste and inequality and created a unique position for himself among his disciples. There is a religion dedicated to him, and he is remembered every year for his teachings. Guru Ravidas Jayanti is thus an important festival in the Indian calendar.

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