Preparations for the 650th Parkash Purab (birth anniversary) of Shri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj in 2027 have gained momentum, with senior community leader Rajesh Bagha holding key meetings in the United Kingdom to chalk out a global blueprint for the historic occasion.
Bagha, who has earlier served as Chairman of the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes and is currently Vice President of BJP Punjab, is on a special visit to the UK in his capacity as All India President of the British Ravidassia Heritage Foundation and Chief Patron of Pathway Global Alliance.
During the visit, he, along with prominent Ravidassia leaders from across Britain, met India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Shri V. Doraiswamy, to discuss joint efforts between India and the diaspora in honouring the saint’s 650th birth anniversary.
At the heart of these deliberations is a plan to organise simultaneous celebrations in both India and the United Kingdom, ensuring participation by devotees across the globe. The proposed outline includes international devotional gatherings, cultural exhibitions, youth-focused educational programmes, and live digital streaming to connect millions worldwide.
Bagha emphasised that Guru Ravidass Ji, a 15th-century saint, philosopher, and social reformer, envisioned a just and egalitarian society through his philosophy of Begumpura—a world free from suffering, discrimination, and inequality. His hymns, included in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, continue to inspire humanity towards love, unity, and spiritual truth.
“Shri Guru Ravidass Ji’s message goes beyond caste or community boundaries. He gave humanity the vision of equality, compassion, and service. The 650th Parkash Purab will be a landmark opportunity to spread this universal message across the world,” Bagha said.
During his tour, Bagha reached out to Ravidassia community centres, temples, and institutions in London, Birmingham, Leicester, and Manchester, holding consultations with local leaders and devotees. A joint steering committee including representatives from both India and the UK will soon be established to coordinate preparations.
Several notable personalities joined the discussions, including Sant Satnam Singh Ji (Chief Patron, British Ravidassia Heritage Foundation, UK), Satpal (General Secretary), Tarsem Kalyan and Amreek Palahi (Founding Members), along with Chaman Lal Madahar, Gurdial Bagha, Balram Singh, Harjinder Bagha, Sukhwinder Bhardwaj, Manjeet Bagha, and Pargan Guru.
Through these discussions, Bagha highlighted the need to make the 650th Parkash Purab not just a spiritual occasion, but a global cultural event that honours Guru Ravidass Ji’s timeless teachings while engaging the younger generation with his message of equality and truth.
If executed as planned, the 2027 celebration will stand as one of the largest and most inclusive tributes to Guru Ji’s legacy, uniting devotees and spreading his philosophy of universal brotherhood across continents.