Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2025: Date, Teachings, History, and Significance

The restricted holiday on the occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti declared in November 2024 has been cancelled, it said.

Guru Ravidas Jayanti will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. This day marks the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, a prominent saint of the Bhakti Movement. In 2025, the event commemorates his 648th birth anniversary, observed on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Magha Purnima.

Guru Ravidas (1377–1527 C.E.), also known as Raidas, Rohidas, or Ruhidas, was a renowned spiritual leader and reformer of the Bhakti Movement. He is revered for his devotional songs and verses that emphasised equality, unity, and the importance of a spiritual connection with God. His teachings inspired countless followers and left an indelible mark on Indian spiritual and social traditions.

Birth and Early Life

According to historians, Guru Ravidas was born in 1377 C.E. in Mandhuadhe, a small village near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. However, some scholars argue that his birth year may have been 1399 C.E. Despite the historical debate, his birth anniversary is traditionally celebrated on Magha Purnima, as per the Hindu lunar calendar.

His birthplace, now known as Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan, is a significant pilgrimage site for his followers, who gather here to pay homage and seek blessings.

Significance of Guru Ravidas Jayanti

Guru Ravidas Jayanti holds immense significance for his followers, particularly in North India and Punjab. The day is observed with grand celebrations, including prayers, processions, and recitations of his hymns. His teachings, which emphasise equality, social justice, and the elimination of caste-based discrimination, continue to inspire people to this day.

Celebrations of Guru Ravidas Jayanti

• Devotional Prayers: Devotees visit temples dedicated to Guru Ravidas, especially the Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan in Varanasi, to offer prayers and participate in special rituals.
• Processions: Colourful processions, known as Nagar Kirtans, are organised in various cities, where his hymns and teachings are sung with devotion.
• Community Feasts: Langars (community kitchens) are arranged to serve free meals to devotees, symbolising equality and unity.
• Discourses: Spiritual leaders and scholars share insights on Guru Ravidas’s life and teachings, inspiring people to follow his path of truth and compassion.

Guru Ravidas’s teachings focused on universal love, equality, and devotion to God. He opposed social evils such as caste discrimination and advocated for a harmonious society. His verses, composed in regional languages, made spirituality accessible to the common people and inspired movements for social reform.

His followers, known as Ravidassias, regard him as a divine figure whose messages transcend time. The Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan remains a beacon of his spiritual legacy, attracting devotees from around the world.

Plan to Celebrate Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2025

Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2025 offers an opportunity to reflect on his teachings and strive for a more inclusive and compassionate world. Whether you participate in temple rituals, attend processions, or engage in acts of service, the day encourages you to embrace the values of love, equality, and devotion.

As the 648th birth anniversary of this great saint approaches, let us honour his legacy and imbibe his timeless wisdom in our lives. Happy Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2025!