New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the ceremonies at the Guru Ravidas Vishram Dham Temple here on Wednesday and led the nation in observing the birth anniversary of the mystic poet and social reformer of the Bhakti movement. Modi also played an ancient bhajan instrument ‘khartal’ and took part in ‘shabad kirtan’ with devotees at the west Delhi temple in Karol Bagh. He said he felt proud that every step taken by his government imbibed the spirit of Guru Ravidas, who has a huge following among the Dalit community. Celebrated on Magh Purnima, or on the day of the full moon according to the Hindu calendar, the Bhakti movement guru was born near Varanasi. On this day, his followers visit Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan in Varanasi to offer prayers. The saint was born in the 14th century in Seer Govardhanpur village in Uttar Pradesh. His followers rejoice his hymns composed in the 15th and 16th century. His hymns were included in the Guru Granth Sahib as well, and he is associated with the Ravidassia sect of Sikhism. In a series of tweets earlier, Modi said: “The construction work in his memory in Kashi is proceeding with full grandeur and divinity. “The way Guru Ravidas dedicated his life to eliminate evil practices like caste and untouchability from the society is an inspiration to all of us. “On this occasion, I recall a few things about the holy place of Sant Ravidas ji. In the years 2016 and 2019, I had the privilege of paying obeisance there and enjoy the langar. As an MP, I had decided that there would be no let up in the development work of this pilgrimage site.” Guru Ravidas’ Jayanti is popular among Dalits whose vote accounts for 30 per cent of Punjab’s population as the state goes to polls on Sunday. The community also constitutes 20 per cent of population of Uttar Pradesh which is voting in seven phases and so far only two are over. Guru Ravidas Jayanti is also a holiday in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh among other states. UNI ASU ING
