Guru Ravidas Jayanti is an annual Hindu festival celebrated to mark the birthday of Guru Ravidas, a revered saint, poet, and social reformer. Here's an overview:
**Date:** Guru Ravidas Jayanti is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu lunar month of Magh, which typically falls in January or February according to the Gregorian calendar.
**Background:**
1. Guru Ravidas, also known as Raidas, was a 15th-century saint and spiritual leader who lived in Varanasi, India.
2. He was born into a family of shoemakers (cobbler caste) but rose to prominence through his teachings, poetry, and devotion to God.
3. Guru Ravidas preached equality, social justice, and the universal brotherhood of humanity. His teachings emphasized the importance of love, humility, and compassion.
**Celebrations:**
1. On Guru Ravidas Jayanti, devotees gather at Ravidas temples and other religious sites to offer prayers, bhajans (devotional songs), and readings from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism that includes the writings of Guru Ravidas.
2. Special programs, satsangs (spiritual gatherings), and kirtans (devotional music sessions) are organized to honor the life and teachings of Guru Ravidas.
3. Community meals (langar) are served to all, regardless of caste, creed, or social status, reflecting Guru Ravidas's message of equality and inclusion.
4. Processions and parades may also take place in some regions, with devotees singing hymns and carrying portraits or images of Guru Ravidas.
**Significance:**
1. Guru Ravidas Jayanti holds great significance for followers of Guru Ravidas and those who admire his teachings.
2. The festival serves as an occasion to reflect on Guru Ravidas's timeless message of love, humanity, and social equality, which remains relevant and inspiring to people of all backgrounds.
3. It is also an opportunity for devotees to seek spiritual guidance, renew their commitment to Guru Ravidas's teachings, and strive to embody his principles in their daily lives.
**Social Impact:**
1. Guru Ravidas's teachings continue to inspire social reform movements aimed at challenging caste-based discrimination, promoting equality, and advocating for the rights and dignity of marginalized communities.
2. His emphasis on social justice and universal love has contributed to fostering a spirit of unity, harmony, and compassion among people from diverse backgrounds.
3. Guru Ravidas Jayanti serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Guru Ravidas and the ongoing relevance of his teachings in addressing contemporary social and moral challenges.
Guru Ravidas Jayanti is a time of spiritual reflection, community celebration, and social solidarity, honoring the life and teachings of a revered saint who dedicated his life to the service of humanity.