Haryana will be holding its state-level celebrations of Guru Ravidas Jayanti in Karnal on February 7. As a mystic saint of the Bhakti movement of 15th century, Guru Ravidas is for known for his social reforms and devotional songs.
FOR THE state-level function to be held in Karnal on the occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has consented to be the Chief Guest.
Haryana’s Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, Geeta Bhukkal said that the message of brotherhood and tolerance preached by Guru Ravidas was relevant even today since he stood for social equality.
Ravidas is one the most venerated saints who belonged to a lower caste and whose devotional songs made a deep impact upon the Bhakti movement. Based upon the spirituality of Guru Ravidas, a non-sectarian caste-free religion called Ravidassia Religion was founded. He is also remembered as leading dalit saint who advocated a caste-free society.
Ravidas was born in the village of Goverdhanpur, close to the Holy city of Varanasi in the cobbler community. Right from his childhood, Ravidas had the devotional and spiritual tendencies which he combined with traditional family vocation of mending shoes.
Ravidas composed and sang devotional songs in praise of the Supreme Spirit thought to be omniscient and omnipresent. Impressed by his spirituality and devotional songs, Meera Bai regarded Ravidas as her spiritual guru.
Generally, Ravidas Jayanti is observed with a procession by organising a procession by collective singing of his devotional songs with musical instruments.
