Amritsar, July 3 (K.L. Jit Walia): As part of the Punjab Government’s year-long celebrations marking the 650th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, a Grand Kirtan Darbar was organised on Thursday evening at the Dussehra Ground in Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar.
The religious congregation began with the ceremonial installation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in accordance with Sikh traditions, followed by the recitation of Sri Sukhmani Sahib. Renowned Hazoori Ragi Bhai Jabartor Singh from Sri Harmandir Sahib and the kirtan jatha led by Bhai Hardyal Singh from Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Sahib performed soulful renditions of the divine hymns of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. Thousands of devotees attended the event and sought spiritual blessings.
The programme, organised by the Punjab Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with the District Administration, Amritsar, featured extensive arrangements for the convenience of devotees, including uninterrupted Guru Ka Langar, dedicated parking facilities, and shoe-keeping services.
A special blood donation camp, organised by the Health Department in honour of the 650th birth anniversary celebrations, also witnessed enthusiastic participation. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Surinder Singh donated blood during the camp.
Addressing the gathering, Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that Sri Guru Ravidas Ji’s vision of “Begampura”—a society free from discrimination and inequality—is highly relevant today. He urged people to adopt the Guru’s teachings to promote equality and eliminate social discrimination.
MLA Dr. Jasbir Singh Sandhu thanked the devotees for their participation and noted that 40 hymns and one shalok of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji are included in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He said Guru Ravidas Ji’s teachings emphasized devotion, love, equality, and opposition to caste-based discrimination.
MLA Jeevan Jyot Kaur said it is a matter of pride to celebrate the birth anniversaries of the great Sikh Gurus. She recalled that during the 649th birth anniversary celebrations at Khuralgarh, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had announced year-long programmes to commemorate the 650th birth anniversary and spread Guru Ravidas Ji’s message across the world.
Devotees appreciated the Punjab Government’s efforts to promote the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji globally.
During the event, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, MLAs Dr. Jasbir Singh Sandhu, Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar, Jaswinder Singh Ramdas, Jeevan Jyot Kaur, Mayor Jatinder Singh Moti Bhatia, and prominent members of the Guru Ravidas community were honoured.
The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Dalwinderjit Singh, ADC (Development) Surinder Singh, SDM Gurmander Singh, District Tourism Officer Sukhman Singh, Deputy CEO Employment Bureau Teerath Pal Singh, senior government officials, community leaders, Aam Aadmi Party representatives, and a large number of devotees.
KL JIT WALIA
