Punjab Government Kicks Off Grand 650th Parkash Purab Celebrations for Guru Ravidas
In a significant religious and cultural event, the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, formally inaugurated the year-long celebrations marking the 650th Parkash Purab of Guru Ravidas. The state-level function was held at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib in Hoshiarpur, drawing a substantial gathering of Sant Samaj leaders, dera heads, and government officials.
Sant Samaj Plays Pivotal Role in Ceremonies
A generous presence of the Sant Samaj was registered during the religious ceremony, with heads of over a dozen Deras and religious establishments from various religious dispensations attending the CM’s event. The dera heads and seers were seated prominently on the left side of the stage, where Chief Minister Mann made repeated references to the religious leaders, emphasizing that the Parkash Purab events will be held under their guidance. He later thanked them for their presence and support.
Notable leaders present included Sant Pradeep Das from Dera Ballan (Kathar), Sant Nirmal Das Ji Jaure Wale from Dera Sant Baba Pritam Dass Ji Raipur Jalandhar, Sant Sarwan Dass Ji from Bohan Patti Hoshiarpur, and Sant Gurdeep Giri from Dera Swami Jagat Giri at Pathankot, among others. Their participation underscored the collaborative effort between the state government and religious communities to honor Guru Ravidas's legacy.
Government Announces Extensive Year-Long Program
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema detailed the government's plans, stating that under CM Mann’s leadership, the Punjab government has outlined a comprehensive year-long series of events to mark the upcoming 650th Parkash Purab of Guru Ravidas. He announced, “As part of these events, the teachings of Guru Ravidas will be propagated in every nook and corner of the state.” Cheema also revealed that the Chief Minister has constituted a Cabinet sub-committee for these programmes, headed by him, and he pledged to discharge this responsibility with full dedication.
Earlier in the event, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond welcomed the gathering, affirming that the state government remains committed to preserving and passing on Punjab’s glorious heritage to future generations. Punjab Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Jai Kishan Rori expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for launching the year-long events marking the 649th Parkash Purab of Guru Ravidas from Khuralgarh Sahib, highlighting the historical significance of the location.
Religious Observances and Obesiances
The ceremony included profound religious observances, with the CM and the entire Cabinet joining the sangat to perform Ardas after the Bhog of Sri Akhand Paath Sahib. In a gesture of deep respect, the Chief Minister and Cabinet members also paid obeisance at the Tap Asthan of Guru Ravidas at Khuralgarh, reinforcing the spiritual essence of the celebrations.
Sant Nirmal Das Ji Jaure Wale congratulated the state government and CM Mann for the extensive arrangements for the Parkash Purab, while Sant Pradeep Das of Dera Ballan (Kathar) described the occasion as historic and thanked the government for providing land for the Bani Adhyayan Centre. These acknowledgments from religious leaders reflect the widespread appreciation for the government's initiatives in promoting Guru Ravidas's teachings and values.
The launch of these celebrations marks a pivotal moment in Punjab's cultural calendar, aiming to foster unity and disseminate the timeless messages of Guru Ravidas across the state and beyond.
