State-Level Programme at Khuralgarh to Mark 649th Birth Anniversary of Guru Ravidas on February 6

Punjab, Feb 2026 : The Punjab government has decided to organise a state-level programme at Khuralgarh on February 6 to commemorate the 649th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, a towering figure of the Bhakti movement whose teachings of equality, social justice and devotion continue to inspire millions. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is expected to attend the event, which senior officials have described as a tribute to the revered saint and his enduring legacy.

The decision to hold a large-scale programme at Khuralgarh has assumed added significance in the current political context, coming soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Dera Ballan. That visit was widely seen as an outreach to the Ravidassia community, which forms a substantial section of Punjab’s Dalit population. Against this backdrop, the AAP-led Punjab government’s initiative is being viewed as an effort to reinforce its engagement with the community while also highlighting the spiritual and cultural importance of Guru Ravidas.

Government sources said the February 6 programme at Khuralgarh Sahib, located in the Garhshankar subdivision of Hoshiarpur district, will be organised on a grand scale. Ministers, MLAs, senior officials, and leaders of various social and religious organisations are expected to participate. Khuralgarh holds deep religious significance for followers of Guru Ravidas, as it is believed to be one of the places where the 15th-century saint meditated and spread his message of a casteless and egalitarian society. Over the years, the site has emerged as a major pilgrimage centre for the Ravidassia community, drawing devotees from across Punjab and neighbouring states.

The state government had earlier developed a memorial complex at Khuralgarh, including the prominent Minar-e-Begumpura, named after Guru Ravidas’s vision of an ideal society free from discrimination and inequality. However, the project has faced multiple hurdles, including delays in execution, land ownership disputes and allegations of administrative lapses. Officials said the upcoming state-level programme would not only mark the saint’s birth anniversary but also renew focus on Khuralgarh’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

A senior government official said the Chief Minister would pay obeisance at the historic site and address the gathering. “The programme will highlight the teachings of Guru Ravidas and showcase the state government’s initiatives aimed at the welfare and upliftment of Scheduled Castes and other marginalised sections,” the official said. The event is also expected to underline the government’s commitment to social harmony and inclusive development, values that are closely associated with Guru Ravidas’s philosophy.

Political observers see the move as part of a broader trend, with various political parties stepping up efforts to connect with the Ravidassia community. The Prime Minister’s visit to Dera Ballan had drawn considerable attention, with BJP leaders projecting it as a gesture of respect towards Guru Ravidas and his followers. In this context, the Punjab government’s decision to organise a high-profile event at Khuralgarh is being interpreted as both a religious commemoration and a politically significant outreach.

Preparations are reportedly underway to ensure large participation from districts across the state. The programme may include cultural performances, devotional singing, and exhibitions depicting the life, philosophy and social message of Guru Ravidas. Ravidas Jayanti celebrations traditionally attract thousands of devotees, and district administrations in Hoshiarpur and Rupnagar are coordinating security and traffic arrangements to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims.

At the same time, some community representatives have urged the government to use the occasion to address long-pending issues related to the Khuralgarh memorial. These include completing remaining infrastructure works and resolving land disputes linked to the site. According to them, fully developing Khuralgarh would be a more lasting and meaningful tribute to Guru Ravidas’s legacy.

With the Chief Minister’s presence and heightened political attention on Khuralgarh, the February 6 programme is expected to carry both religious reverence and political resonance, reaffirming Guru Ravidas’s message of equality in contemporary times.
Team Maverick.