"Guru
Ravidas Jayanti or Birthday" is the birthday of Guru Ravidas, celebrated
on Magha Poornima, the full moon day in the month of Magha month. It is the
annual focal point for the Ravidasia religion.
Legend
Ravidas
Ji was born in the village Seer Goverdhanpur. According to a legend, Ravidas Ji
was a brahmin in the previous birth. When he was dying, he was attracted
towards a woman of chammara caste, and he wished that beautiful woman to be her
mother. After death, he took rebirth as Ravidas Ji from the womb of that very
woman. He was contemporary to Kabir Ji, and has a number of recorded
interactions with Kabir Ji on spirituality.
Celebration
Ravidas
is revered due to his works against casteism and spirituality. He was a
Spiritual man.
On
the day the Amritbani Guru Ravidas Ji is read and a special aarti is taken out for a Nagar Kirtan
procession. Along with the portrait of the guru, these things are taken out to
the accompaniment of music through the streets of the temple locality. Also
devotees take holy dip in the river to perform rites. In the bhawans, his image is worshipped. Every
year, a grand celebration at Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Astrhan Mandir, Seer
Goverdhanpur, Varanasi takes place to mark the occasion along with lakhs of
devotees who came from all over the world to celebrate.
On
this day, his followers take bath in the holy rivers. Then, they take
inspiration from their Guru Ravidas Ji by remembering the great events and
miracles related to his life. His devotees go to his place of birth and
celebrate his birthday on Ravidas Birthday.
Significance
Ravidas Birthday marks the birth of Ravidas Ji. Ravidas Ji is well-known for making efforts in eradicating caste system. He has also contributed to the Bhakti movement, and is well-recognized as a good friend and disciple of Kabir Ji. Ravidas Birthday has a special significance among the people following Ravidasia religion, that follows Ravidas Ji only, and other people who in any way rever Ravidas Ji like some of the Kabirpanthis, Sikhs, and other gurus.