By Anurag Tiwari
Ravidas Jayanti 2025: Date, Significance, and Celebrations of Guru Ravidas’ Birth Anniversary
Date: Ravidas Jayanti will be celebrated on February 12, 2025.
Significance: This day marks the birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas, a revered 15th-century Bhakti movement saint, poet, and social reformer. His teachings emphasized equality, unity, and devotion to God, and he strongly opposed caste-based discrimination.
Ravidas Jayanti Celebrations:
- Devotees visit Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan Mandir in Varanasi, his birthplace.
- Kirtans, bhajans, and recitations of Ravidas’ hymns are held.
- Processions and community feasts (Langar) are organized, especially in Punjab and North India.
Guru Ravidas’ philosophy inspired many, including Meera Bai, and his verses are part of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
General Questions
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What is Ravidas Jayanti?
- Ravidas Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas, a 15th-century Bhakti saint, poet, and social reformer.
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When is Ravidas Jayanti 2025?
- It will be celebrated on February 12, 2025 (Wednesday).
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Why is Ravidas Jayanti celebrated?
- It honors Guru Ravidas’ teachings on equality, social justice, and devotion to God.
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Where was Guru Ravidas born?
- He was born in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh in the 15th century.
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Which communities primarily celebrate Ravidas Jayanti?
- It is widely celebrated by Dalits, followers of the Ravidassia religion, Sikhs, and devotees of the Bhakti movement.
Celebrations & Rituals
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How is Ravidas Jayanti celebrated?
- Devotees participate in kirtans, processions, community feasts (Langar), and prayer meetings at temples.
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What is the significance of Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan Mandir?
- Located in Varanasi, this temple is built at the birthplace of Guru Ravidas and is the main pilgrimage site for followers.
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Are there any special prayers on this day?
- Devotees recite Guru Ravidas’ hymns, bhajans, and teachings from Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib.
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What is the role of Langar in Ravidas Jayanti?
- Community kitchens (Langar) serve free meals to everyone, symbolizing equality and unity.
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Are there any Ravidas Jayanti processions?
- Yes, grand processions (Nagar Kirtans) with devotional singing and tableaux of Guru Ravidas are held.
Guru Ravidas’ Teachings & Influence
- What were Guru Ravidas’ main teachings?
- He promoted equality, unity, selfless devotion, and rejection of caste-based discrimination.
- How did Guru Ravidas influence Sikhism?
- 41 hymns of Guru Ravidas are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
- Which famous historical figures followed Guru Ravidas?
- Meera Bai, the Rajput princess and poet-saint, was a devoted disciple of Guru Ravidas.
- What is ‘Beggampura,’ a concept in Guru Ravidas’ philosophy?
- Guru Ravidas envisioned Beggampura, an ideal casteless and discrimination-free society.
- What is the Ravidassia religion?
- Some followers of Guru Ravidas established Ravidassia religion, which follows his teachings and Amritbani Guru Ravidas Ji as scripture.
Historical & Cultural Impact
- What are some famous Guru Ravidas quotes?
- One of his famous teachings is: “A person should be judged by their deeds, not by their caste.”
- How did Guru Ravidas challenge the caste system?
- He rejected untouchability, emphasized equality, and inspired lower-caste communities to resist discrimination.
- Is Ravidas Jayanti a public holiday?
- It is a regional public holiday in Punjab and observed in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi.
- How has Ravidas Jayanti been recognized politically?
- Indian leaders, including Prime Ministers and Presidents, often pay tribute to Guru Ravidas on this day.
- How can I participate in Ravidas Jayanti celebrations?
- You can visit Ravidas temples, participate in kirtans, serve in Langar, and read his hymns and teachings.
