Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2025, Biography, Celebrations, Quotes

Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated to honour saint Ravidas. He was a social reformer of the Bhakti Movement and a poet as well making this birth anniversary a celebratory event in North India. This year, Guru Ravidas Jayanti is being celebrated on 12 February, the full moon day of Hindu Magh month. 

Guru Ravidas Biography

Guru Ravidas, born in 1377 CE in Manduadih, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh and was a 15th century mystic poet and social reformer. Being a prominent reformer in the Bhakti Movement, preaching social justice, equality and elimination of caste-based discrimination. His learnings focused on unity, devotion to god and humanitarian values. 

Key Teachings and Contributions of Guru Ravidas

1. Abolition of the Caste System: Guru Ravidas was a staunch opponent of untouchability and caste-based discrimination. He advocated for the equality of all human beings, regardless of their caste or social status.
2. Mentor to Meera Bai: Guru Ravidas was a spiritual guide to Meera Bai, the renowned Rajput princess and an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, influencing her devotional path.
3. Compositions in Guru Granth Sahib: His teachings and verses are immortalized in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, demonstrating his profound influence that extended beyond Hinduism.

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Guru Ravidas Jayanti Significance

Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated to honor the life and contributions of Guru Ravidas towards creating a social equality and spiritual upliftment. His teaching has inspired millions of people and the day is marked by spiritual discourses and devotional activities. 

Guru Ravidas Jayanti Celebrations

Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated especially in North India in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The day is celebrated in the following manner: 

1. Nagar Kirtan (Religious Processions): Devotees organize processions, carrying the sacred scripture while chanting hymns composed by Guru Ravidas.
2. Aarti and Bhajan-Kirtan: Special prayer sessions, along with devotional songs, are conducted in temples and homes to honor the Guru’s teachings.
3. Reading Guru Ravidas’ Teachings: Followers read, reflect, and discuss his verses to imbibe his values of equality and spirituality.
4. Langar (Community Feasting): Free meals are served to everyone, regardless of caste or creed, embodying Guru Ravidas’ vision of equality and unity.
5. Holy Bath Rituals: Devotees participate in ritualistic baths in sacred rivers, especially in Varanasi, the birthplace of Guru Ravidas.

The Delhi government has announced February 12, 2025, as a public holiday to honor Guru Ravidas. Previously marked as a restricted holiday, 2025 will witness the closure of all government offices, autonomous bodies, and public sector undertakings. 

Guru Ravidas Teachings and Quotes

Guru Ravidas’ teachings focus on spiritual enlightenment, social justice and universal love. Guru Ravidas quotes include: 

• “Man changa toh kathoti mein Ganga” – If your mind is pure, even a small vessel of water is as sacred as the Ganges.
• “Begumpura shahar ka nao” – He envisioned a city free from sorrow, discrimination, and suffering, known as Begumpura.
• “Jaati paati puchhe nahi koi, hari ko bhaje so hari ka hoi” – God does not ask for caste or status; one who prays to Him belongs to Him.

Guru Ravidas and his Impact on Modern Society

Guru Ravidas’ life principles remain as important in contemporary times, especially related to caste discrimination and social equality. These teachings about respecting all communities, universal brotherhood and devotion to god continue to inspire movements against injustice and oppression. 

Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2025 honors the legacy of Guru Ravidas saint and his influence on the Indian Society. His teachings about devotion, compassion and equality have inspired a vision of a just and harmonious world. The festival provides an opportunity to renew his dedication to his timeless principles.