Under the guidance of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government commenced the state-wide celebrations of the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji with the first grand spiritual Kirtan Darbar held at Nehru Stadium, Rupnagar on Sunday evening. The mega event marked the beginning of a year-long series of programmes aimed at spreading the universal message of the revered Guru across Punjab and beyond.
The spiritually charged evening witnessed soulful Kirtan by renowned Hazuri Ragi of Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, Bhai Ravinder Singh Ji, and Bhai Davinder Singh Ji Sodhi, who immersed the Sangat in divine devotion. This was followed by an enlightening Katha Vichar by Bhai Gurmeet Singh Ji, inspiring devotees to imbibe the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji in their daily lives.
Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise & Taxation, and Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who attended the event as the Chief Guest, extended his heartfelt greetings to the Sangat and underlined the significance of the initiative. He said, “During the 649th Parkash Purb at Khuralgarh Sahib, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had announced a year-long series of large-scale events to celebrate the 650th anniversary.”
The Minister stated, “The primary objective is to spread the universal message of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji across the globe. Consequently, various educational and spiritual programs are being actively organized in schools, colleges, and universities across every corner of Punjab.”
He further stated, “As part of this broader initiative, spiritual Kirtan Darbars are being hosted across all districts in the state, officially beginning in Rupnagar.”
Highlighting a major initiative of the Punjab Government, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced, “The Punjab Government has purchased 10 acres of land near Dera Sachkhand Ballan to establish a grand ‘Sri Guru Ravidas Bani Adhyayan Kendra’. This center will feature a seating capacity of 750, and will be dedicated to the deep study and research of the Guru’s sacred Bani and teachings. This will ensure his invaluable message reaches the masses effectively.”
He added, “The architectural plans have been finalised and construction is slated to begin shortly. Once established, the center will also showcase valuable historical research related to Guru Maharaj to the public.”
Advisor to the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, Deepak Bali, highlighted the enduring relevance of the Guru’s teachings in contemporary society. He said, “Centuries ago, through his revolutionary Bani, Sri Guru Ravidas Ji taught humanity to rise above mutual differences and build a society based on equality and brotherhood.”
He urged the Sangat to follow this path to realise the vision of a harmonious and egalitarian society.
Rupnagar MLA Advocate Dinesh Chadha welcomed the dignitaries and devotees, stating that societal progress can only be achieved by following the path shown by the Gurus.
He said that the Gurus always guided humanity towards a cultured and enlightened era through the wisdom of Bani. He also expressed gratitude to CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and the Punjab Government for selecting Rupnagar to host the first Kirtan Darbar of this historic series.
Thousands of devotees attended the mega event, listening to the divine Bani and appreciating the Punjab Government’s efforts in creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. The event was graced by several respected religious personalities, including Sant Baba Kewal Singh, Head of Tap Asthan Sri Khuralgarh Sahib; Sant Satwinderjit Singh Heera, President of the All India Adi Dharam Mission; Swami Anmulka Nand of Dera Mast Baba Sham Ji Maharaj Jhaj; Mahant Balwinder Dass of Dera Pushpa Nand Udasin Ashram Bassi Pathana; Sant Balvir Dass of Dera Mahan Puri Chabbewal; Sant Baba Avtar Singh Ji Gurdwara Tibbi and Sant Surinder Dass, Head of Sri Charan Chhoh Ganga Khuralgarh Sahib.
Prominent elected representatives and officials present included MLA Sri Chamkaur Sahib Dr. Charanjit Singh, MLA Delhi Ajay Dutt, Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Jai Krishan Singh, Deputy Commissioner Rupnagar Aditya Dachalwal, SSP Rupnagar Maninder Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner Chanderjyoti Singh, SP Arvind Meena, Assistant Commissioner Pradeep Singh Bains, SDM Rupnagar Jaspreet Singh, and DPRO Karan Mehta.
Several local leaders and representatives also participated, including Chairmen Shiv Kumar Lalpura, Bhag Singh Madan, Sukhdev Mianpur, and Satnam Singh Jalwaha; Block Samiti Rupnagar Chairman Malkit Singh Bhangu; Block President Parminder Singh Bala; and Zila Parishad Member Jarnail Singh Lali. They were joined by Block Samiti Members Amritpal Singh Pappi, Lalit Dakala, Sandeep Singh, and Satnam Nagra, along with local leaders Jang Bahadur Singh, Surjan Singh, Amandeep Singh, and Neelam Rani, President of the Rupnagar Constituency, besides numerous AAP office bearers, volunteers, and a massive gathering of the Sangat from surrounding villages.