AAP Government Announces Grand Year-Long Celebrations for Guru Ravidas 650th Birth Anniversary
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Chandigarh has made a significant announcement regarding the commemoration of the 650th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas. On Thursday, officials revealed plans for a grand, year-long celebration that will span from February 2026 to February 2027, marking this important milestone in the spiritual leader's legacy.
Comprehensive Event Schedule and Spiritual Commencement
The celebrations are set to commence on February 4, 2026, with an Akhand Path at Khuralgarh Sahib, establishing a spiritual foundation for the year-long observances. The events will officially conclude in February 2027, creating a full year of dedicated activities honoring Guru Ravidas's teachings and contributions.
In November 2026, the government plans to host Katha Kirtan Darbar and Begampura events at Khuralgarh Sahib. These gatherings will feature participation from religious leaders and other eminent personalities, ensuring a diverse and respectful tribute to Guru Ravidas's legacy.
Government Coordination and Committee Formation
The first meeting of the cabinet sub-committee for these celebrations was held on Thursday, led by panel chairman and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. The meeting included several key figures:
- Ministers Lal Chand Kataruchak and Tarunpreet Singh Sond
- Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri
- Cultural Affairs Adviser Deepak Bali
- Secretary Tourism Kumar Amit
- Director Tourism Sanjeev Tiwari
Additionally, the meeting saw participation from religious representatives including Sant Nirmal Das, Sant Inder Das, Sant Jagir Singh, Satyawan, Krishna Kumar, and Raj Kapoor from Dera Ballan. Bibi Santosh Kumari and scholar Raj Kumar Hans also attended, ensuring broad community involvement.
Detailed Roadmap and Diverse Program Elements
A comprehensive roadmap was presented during the meeting, outlining various programs related to the life, education, and travels of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. These activities will be organized in villages across Punjab from February 26, 2026, to February 2027, bringing the celebrations directly to local communities.
The planned events include:
- Seminars and workshops focusing on Guru Ravidas's teachings
- Special kirtan events and pilgrimages to significant sites
- School-level competitions to engage younger generations
- Documentary shows and drone displays showcasing his life
- Issuance of commemorative coins dedicated to Guruji
- Blood donation camps and plantation campaigns
- Marathons, shobha yatras, and psychedelic rallies
Monthly Celebrations and Special Initiatives
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasized that monthly events have been carefully drawn up as part of the celebrations. Four significant Shobha Yatras will be organized from:
- Varanasi to Khuralgarh Sahib
- Faridkot to Khuralgarh Sahib
- Bathinda to Khuralgarh Sahib
- Jammu to Khuralgarh Sahib
These processions will symbolize the widespread influence of Guru Ravidas's teachings across different regions. A special logo will be prepared specifically for these events, and a commemorative coin dedicated to Sri Guru Ravidas Ji will be released, serving as lasting tributes to his spiritual legacy.
The government spokesperson confirmed that all events will be organized under the guidance of saints, great men, and religious sects, ensuring authenticity and respect for traditional practices while celebrating this important anniversary on a grand scale.
