Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): In a major cultural initiative, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has finalised an extensive calendar of events to mark the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, aiming to celebrate the occasion on an unprecedented scale across the state.
The roadmap was chalked out during a meeting between the Chief Minister and members of the Sant Samaj at Punjab Bhawan, where a wide range of programmes were approved to honour the life and teachings of the revered saint. The celebrations are set to span an entire year, reflecting a renewed focus on promoting spiritual values and social harmony.
As part of the initiative, the state will host seminars, kirtan samagams, religious yatras, and educational activities, alongside community-driven campaigns such as plantation drives and blood donation camps. A key highlight will be the development of ‘Guru Ravidass Bagichis’ across 650 acres of Panchayati land, supported by the plantation of lakhs of saplings in different districts.
The main commemorative function will take place at Khuralgarh Sahib, a site closely associated with Guru Ravidas Ji. The event is expected to feature exhibitions on his life, katha and kirtan sessions, a Sant Samelan, and modern elements such as drone shows and 3D projections at Minar-e-Begumpura, blending tradition with contemporary presentation.
Officials said the large-scale planning reflects the government’s intent to highlight Guru Ravidas Ji’s message of equality, dignity, and social justice. Various outreach programmes, including school competitions, marathons, and cultural rallies, are also being lined up to ensure participation from all sections of society.
The initiative follows earlier state-led commemorations of significant Sikh events and is being seen as part of a broader effort to preserve Punjab’s spiritual heritage while fostering unity and inclusiveness across communities.
