Indore: Guru Ravidas Jayanti that honours the birthday of Guru Ravidas was celebrated with prayers, get-togethers, ‘langar’ and procession in the city. Guru Ravidas or Bhagat Ravidas was a saint renowned for his contribution to Bhakti movement. This year is said to be 642nd birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas.
Amritbani, which is the holy book of Ravidassia, was read in gurdwaras after main celebrations and bhajans in Imli Sahib gurdwara. Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated on full moon day of Magh month according to Hindu calendar. Other than gurdwaras, Ahirwar Samaj took out a procession from Malwa Mills to Sant Ravidas Dham after passing through Ambedkar Nagar, MIG thana, Patnipura, Anup cinema and Vijay Nagar.
Other than joining mass celebrations in gurdwaras, Sikhs sang hymns, remembered Ravidas and re-told stories of his life to children in small gatherings. His teachings like, “If God actually resides in every human being, then it is futile to segregate people on basis of caste, creed and hierarchical social orders”, were told to children. Free Press talked to people about the celebrations. Excerpts
What They Say…
“His teachings of rising above confines of caste and creed are relevant even today. We must pass on these teachings to our kids and it is only possible through moral education. Considering today’s era, we try to simplify these teachings and tell them in form of stories to our children on this day.” Devendra Singh Gandhi, Guru Singh Sabha coordinator
“Ravidas taught us about omnipresence of God and said that a human soul is a particle of God. We must pass on this important lesson to children so that they live a life above material gains.”Satbir Singh Tuteja, social worker
“I feel inspired by all gurus. They teach us everything about life but I feel we are not spending enough time with our children to pass on these teachings. We need to find quality time with our children.”Inderdeep Singh, businessman
“Any kind of different attitude towards another person is incorrect, but sadly, such attitude can easily be seen around. We need to inculcate this value in our life.”Gurpal Singh Gandhi, software engineer
“We must celebrate everyday and revise these teachings but it is not possible for everyone. So, at least on special days like this, we must come together and remember our roots.”Raminder Singh Rekhi, businessman