Guru Ravidas Jayanti is an optional holiday observed on the full moon day in the month of Magh month. It commemorates Guru Ravidas, who was born in 1450 in Uttar Pradesh Varanasi. He became a poet-saint, a reformist, and a spiritual figure who founded the Ravidassia religion. He is celebrated for his massive number of followers. People observe this day by taking a holy bath and then proceeding with the performance of a special aarti to seek the blessings of the distinguished Guru. At the Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan Mandir — the leading place of pilgrimage or spiritual headquarters for followers of the Ravidassia religion from communities like Ad-Dharmis, Ramdasia Sikhs, Chamars, Jatavs, and Mochis, a considerable amount of people assemble to celebrate the festival. Guru Ravidas’ followers also dress up as him to participate in ‘Nagar Kirtan,’ which is of significant importance on this remarkable day.
History of Guru Ravidas Jayanti
Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated in honor of the birthday of Guru Ravidas, on Magh Purnima, the full moon day in the month of Magh month. It is a yearly fundamental significance for the Ravidassia religion. People from different countries come together to commemorate this special occasion in India. And devotees take a holy dip in the river to fulfill rites.
Ravidas Ji was born in 1450 in the village Seer Goverdhanpur in Uttar Pradesh. He was born into an underprivileged family, and he became one of the initial few people who instigated a war against the caste system. According to a legend, Ravidas Ji was a brahmin in his past life before being reincarnated. This great man died and when he was dying, he became interested in a woman of Chamar caste and he wished that the beautiful woman would become his mother, so after his death, he became reincarnated as Ravidas Ji from the womb of that same woman.
He was concurrent to Kabir Ji and has several recorded interactions with Kabir Ji on spirituality. On this day, his disciples bathe in the holy waters. Then, they take inspiration and insight from their Guru Ravidas Ji by recalling the great events and miracles connected to his life. His followers go to his place of birth and observe his birthday on Ravidas Jayanti. Ravidas Jayanti has special importance among the people following Ravidassia religion, Ravidas Ji’s followers only, and other people who in any way honor Ravidas Ji like some of the Kabirpanthis, Sikhs, and other gurus. Guru Ravidas was acknowledged to be Meera Bai’s spiritual guide and is also said to have provided 41 devotional songs and poems in the “Guru Granth Sahib.”
Guru Ravidas Jayanti timeline
Ravidas Ji is born in Seer Goverdhanpur.
Ravidas Ji passes away.
King Babur becomes influenced for good by Ravidas Ji.
This year will mark 645 years of his birth anniversary.
Guru Ravidas Jayanti FAQs
What place did Guru Ravidas Ji choose for his meditation?
Guru Ravidas Ji chose a quiet and peaceful area in the Banaras forest.
How old was Ravidas when he died?
Ravidas was 90 years old when he died in 1540, near Varanasi in what is now Uttar Pradesh, India.
Are Ravidas and Raidas the same?
The name Ravidas is also known as Raidas.
How To Observe Guru Ravidas Jayanti
Take a dip
Devotees immerse themselves in the holy river on this day. If you're a follower, you need not be reminded that you should happily follow through with this customary practice with others.
Dress up
Dress up as suitably as this day permits. Devotees equally dress up as Guru Ravidas to participate in 'Nagar Kirtan,' which is of tremendous importance on this bright day. You could dress up like that as well if it's appropriate for you.
Join the celebration in any way possible
You don't necessarily have to be a devotee to enjoy this day. You could just relax and cheer them on, on this positive day. Give a shout-out to devotees on this holiday, and recognize them on social media. It's all a part of promoting the goodness that flows with this day.
5 Great Facts About Guru Ravidas Ji
He could treat leprosy
Guru Ravidas Ji was blessed with natural powers to treat leprosy.
Positively great
Guru Ji had an extremely positive attitude.
He got married
Guru Ravidas Ji got married to Shreematee Lona Devi and had a son named Vijaydas.
He was a poet
Ravidas' devotional songs were added to the Sikh Scriptures, “Guru Granth Sahib.”
He came from an indigent family
Guru Ji came from a family that worked with dead animals to create leather products, making them an untouchable Chamar caste.
Why Guru Ravidas Jayanti Is Important
We get to know Guru Ravidas Ji better
We know that Shri Guru Sant Ravidas Ji was a great Saint, poet, social reformer, philosopher, and follower of God in India during the 15th century. But a closer observation could reveal additional knowledge about him.
It's a day to get together
On this holiday, Guru Ji's followers observe his birthday together. We could join in this celebration to commemorate this great man and have fun with his followers.
Guru Ravidas Ji encouraged equality
As a kind and godly man, he preached of a system of equality and sole superpower where no differences were made based on caste and religion. We want to emulate this great man today.
Guru Ravidas Jayanti dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 24 | Saturday |
| 2025 | February 12 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | February 1 | Sunday |
