Punjab News Daily
Khuralgarh, February 6

Marking a decisive moment in Punjab’s socio-spiritual calendar, the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government on Friday launched the year-long observances to commemorate the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji through a meticulously structured religious and cultural programme.

The day started with the Bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib and Ardas in the morning, followed by katha on the life and teachings of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji and shabad kirtan by renowned raagi jathas, grounding the occasion in spiritual reverence. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s announced an unambiguous roadmap: year-long congregations till February 20, 2027, expansion of the Sri Guru Ravidass Memorial at Khuralgarh, establishment of a Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Research Centre at Faridpur, and a clear assurance that no financial constraint would be allowed to dilute the scale or sanctity of the celebrations.

Framed within the government’s broader governance priorities of education and healthcare, the inauguration signalled not just the launch of a commemorative calendar, but a commitment to translate the egalitarian philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji into sustained state action.

Addressing the state-level function organised to commemorate the 649th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann congratulated the Sangat and said, “It is our collective duty to spread the message of Guru Ji across the globe. Sri Guru Ravidas Ji envisioned an egalitarian society free from all forms of discrimination.”

Describing himself as a humble participant in the sacred congregation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann assured that “the state government will leave no stone unturned to celebrate the upcoming 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji in an unsurpassed manner.”

Recalling recent initiatives, the Chief Minister said, “The state government has recently commemorated the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji through a series of events. Likewise, year-long programmes have been chalked out to celebrate the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji in an unprecedented manner.” He added that he felt blessed to be connected to this sacred land, noting that “Guru Ji delivered a powerful message of equality from here and spent more than four years at this place.”

Highlighting steps taken to institutionalise the legacy of the revered Guru, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “To perpetuate the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, the state government has established Chairs at Punjab University and Guru Nanak Dev University to undertake research.”

He further said, “As guided by the Sant Samaj, the state government will organise a wide range of events to mark the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. All of us are fortunate to have received this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate Guru Ji’s Parkash Purb.”