Guru Ravidas Jayanti

Birth Anniversary, Spiritual Celebration, Social Reform Observance

Public holiday in several states (e.g., Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh). Observed nationwide by followers.

One day

Celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, a revered saint, mystic, poet, and social reformer of the Bhakti movement. His teachings emphasize equality, spiritual liberation, devotion, and the rejection of caste-based discrimination.

Key Rituals & Practices

Nagar Kirtan (processions with devotional songs and chanting)

Recitation of Amritbani Guru Ravidas Ji (holy hymns and teachings of Guru Ravidas)

Bhakti Sangeet (devotional music), Kirtan, and Bhajan sessions

Langar (community kitchen and free distribution of food)

Special prayers and discourses in temples (deras) and gurdwaras

Charitable activities and social service, promoting messages of equality and universal brotherhood

Associated Deities

Guru Ravidas (himself considered a spiritual master)

Nirgun Brahman (the formless divine, central to his teachings)

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

Magh

Paksha

Shukla Paksha

Tithi

Purnima (Full Moon)

Regional Relevance & Variations

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Historical & Mythological Context

Guru Ravidas (also Raidas, Rohidas) was a 15th to 16th-century Indian mystic and poet of the Bhakti movement. He was born in the village of Seer Goverdhanpur, near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He belonged to the 'chamar' (leather-worker) community, yet through his profound spiritual insights and devotion, he challenged the social stratification of his time. His teachings are widely respected and some of his hymns are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. He advocated for a society free of caste distinctions and emphasized the importance of devotion (bhakti) and inner spiritual purity over ritualism and external display.

Alternative Names

Ravidas Jayanti

Sant Ravidas Jayanti

Guru Ravidass Jayanti

Gregorian Date

Varies (typically February)