February 16, 2022, will be observed as Guru Ravidas Jayanti around the country. This year celebrates the 645th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, a prominent saint noted for his contributions to the Bhakti movement.

Jayanti is celebrated in North India, particularly in Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. His devotional melodies and poems, also known as Raidas, Rohidas, and Ruhidas, had a long-lasting effect on the Bhakti Movement.

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Around 40 of the poetry attributed to Ravidas were incorporated in the Adi Granth, Sikhism’s sacred text. Ravidas is widely believed to have met Nanak, the first Guru, and founder of the Sikh faith.

This day’s history and significance

Guru Ravidas was born to a poor family in Seer Goverdhanpur, Uttar Pradesh, in the 14th century.

Through his poems and spiritual teachings, he was among the first to protest the Indian caste system and propagate the concept of equality.

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He was Kabir’s close friend and pupil, and he contributed 41 devotional poetry and melodies to the Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Ravidas is regarded as the Ravidassia religion’s founder. Guru Ravidas was also known as Meera Bai’s spiritual guru, who is a well-known figure in Hindu spiritualism.

When and how is Guru Ravidas Jayanti observed?

To mark the occasion, the poem ‘Amritbani Guru Ravidas Ji’ is recited aloud and a special aarti is done by the devotees. On this day, devotees bathe in the sacred river. Prayers are also offered at Guru Ravidas’ temples, particularly in the bhawans.

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Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan Mandir hosts the greatest festival. Followers from all around the world come to celebrate the event. The Nagar Kirtan is the festival’s main attraction. To commemorate the occasion, people dress up like Guru Ravidas and his supporters.