Punjab Launches Year-Long Celebrations for 650th Prakash Parv of Guru Ravidas

Jalandhar, Feb 2026 : The Punjab government on Friday formally launched year-long celebrations to mark the 650th Prakash Parv (birth anniversary) of Guru Ravidas, with a grand state-level religious function held in the presence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The event witnessed the participation of a large number of prominent religious leaders, saints and heads of various deras and spiritual institutions from across the state, underlining the spiritual and social significance of the occasion.

The function marked the ceremonial beginning of an extensive series of programs planned throughout the year to commemorate the life, teachings and philosophy of Guru Ravidas. More than a dozen religious leaders were present on the dais alongside the Chief Minister, lending their blessings and guidance to the celebrations. The dera heads and saints were seated on the left side of the stage, and during his address, Chief Minister Mann repeatedly acknowledged their presence, stating that all Prakash Parv-related programs would be organised under their guidance. He later thanked them for extending their support and participating in the historic event.

Among the prominent religious figures present were Sant Pradeep Das of Dera Ballan (Kathar), Sant Nirmal Das Ji Jaure Wale of Dera Sant Baba Pritam Das Ji, Raipur Jalandhar, Sant Sarwan Das Ji of Bohan Patti, Hoshiarpur, Sant Gurdeep Giri of Dera Swami Jagat Giri, Pathankot, along with several other revered saints and dera heads.

Addressing the gathering at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib, Sant Nirmal Das Ji Jaure Wale congratulated the Punjab government and Chief Minister Mann for making elaborate arrangements to mark the Prakash Parv. He said the initiative reflected the government’s respect for the spiritual legacy of Guru Ravidas and its commitment to spreading his message of equality, humility and social harmony.

Sant Pradeep Das of Dera Ballan described the occasion as historic and expressed gratitude to the state government for providing land for the establishment of a Bani Study Centre, which he said would play a crucial role in preserving and propagating the teachings of Guru Ravidas.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, while addressing the congregation, said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Mann, the Punjab government has prepared a comprehensive calendar of year-long programs dedicated to the upcoming 650th Prakash Parv. “Through these initiatives, the teachings and ideals of Guru Ravidas will be taken to every corner of the state,” Cheema said. He also informed that a cabinet sub-committee has been constituted to oversee the celebrations, which will be chaired by the Chief Minister himself. Cheema assured that the committee would work with full dedication to ensure the success of all planned events.

Earlier, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh welcomed the gathering and reiterated the state government’s commitment to preserving Punjab’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations. Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Jai Kishan Rori thanked the Chief Minister for launching the year-long programs from Khuralgarh Sahib, a place deeply associated with Guru Ravidas, calling it a fitting tribute to the revered saint.

Following the completion of the Akhand Path Sahib, the Chief Minister and members of the state cabinet offered prayers along with the congregation. They also paid their respects at the meditation site of Guru Ravidas at Khuralgarh, marking the occasion with reverence and unity.

Team Maverick.