Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
650th Guru Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji: Punjab CM Mann inaugurates year-long statewide celebrations
Babushahi Bureau
Khuralgarh, February 6, 2026:The Punjab government on Friday formally launched year-long celebrations to mark the 650th Guru Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announcing an extensive calendar of religious, cultural and academic programmes that will continue across the state till February 20, 2027.
Inaugurating the celebrations at Khuralgarh, the Chief Minister said that Sant Sammelans, conventions, katha-kirtan programmes, congregations and university-level seminars would be organised throughout the year to spread the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji.
He also announced major institutional initiatives, including the construction of a Sri Guru Ravidass Memorial at Khuralgarh and the establishment of a Sri Guru Ravidass Vani Study and Research Centre near Dera Ballan in Jalandhar.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the Sant Samaj, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann assured that there would be no shortage of funds for the year-long programmes.
“Whatever guidance the Sant Samaj provides will be implemented in letter and spirit,” he said, adding that the celebrations would reflect the Guru’s message of equality, social justice and human dignity.
Addressing the state-level function held to commemorate the 649th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji, the Chief Minister said it was the collective responsibility of society to propagate the Guru’s universal message. “Sri Guru Ravidass Ji envisioned an egalitarian society free from discrimination, and his teachings continue to guide humanity,” he said.
Highlighting steps taken to institutionalise Guru Ji’s legacy, CM Mann said that the state government has already set up Chairs at Panjab University and Guru Nanak Dev University to promote research on the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji. He added that similar initiatives would be strengthened during the year-long celebrations.
Linking the Guru’s teachings with governance, the Chief Minister said education and healthcare remain the top priorities of the AAP government. He pointed out that world-class schools are being developed across the state, while under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, families are now entitled to cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh.
“Our every decision is guided by the welfare of the people of Punjab,” he said, while offering prayers for strength to continue serving the state selflessly.
Referring to social justice initiatives, CM Mann said the government is working to uplift the weaker and underprivileged sections of society in line with the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji and the ideals of Bharat Ratna Dr B.R. Ambedkar.
He said the Schools of Eminence initiative would help realise the dream of quality education for poor but meritorious students.
The Chief Minister also detailed infrastructure projects linked to the celebrations, noting that a world-class memorial has already been developed at Khuralgarh at a cost of nearly ₹148 crore, featuring modern facilities, an auditorium, Sangat Hall and the Minar-e-Begumpura.
He further announced that 12 acres of land have been acquired near Dera Ballan in Jalandhar to establish the Sri Guru Ravidass Adhyan Centre as a dedicated research hub.
Senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia, addressing the gathering, said he felt honoured to visit Khuralgarh, a land sanctified by the presence of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji. He said the Punjab government is following the Guru’s path by ensuring equality and access to education and healthcare for all sections of society.
Several Cabinet Ministers, MPs, MLAs, representatives of the Sant Samaj and other dignitaries were present at the event.