Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2027

Puja Vidhi

Who Celebrates This Festival?

• Devotees of Guru Ravidas: Followers of Sant Ravidas observe this day to remember the saint and to seek his blessings and guidance.
• Families and Communities: Families gather at temples and Satsang to share his message of equality, humility and devotion (Bhakti).
• All Seekers: Anyone who is inspired by the saint's message that all people are equal before God may join the prayers.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Bathing is done early, from Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn period before sunrise). Many devotees take a holy dip in a river.
• Puja and Aarti: The puja and Aarti of Guru Ravidas are done in the morning, after sunrise. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Shobha Yatra and Satsang: Procession and bhajans are held later in the day (families and communities differ).
• Langar: Served to all who attend at the end of the Satsang.

About the Festival

Guru Ravidas Jayanti is a much-loved observance across North India that celebrates the birth of the saint Guru Ravidas, a poet of the Bhakti movement who taught equality and love for God. It takes place on the Purnima (full moon day) of the month of Magha.

The Katha (Story of Kathauti Mein Ganga)

Once upon a time, in the holy city of Varanasi, there lived Ravidas, a cobbler who spent his days mending shoes. He was a devoted saint who lived simply, and he remembered God with every stitch he made.

One day, a Brahmin on his way to bathe in the Ganga stopped to have his shoes mended. Ravidas refused payment, and said: "If you offer one paisa to Mother Ganga from me, she will accept it." The Brahmin took the coin to the Ganga and offered it, and he was astonished when a hand rose from the river and took the coin. In return, the Mother gave a golden bracelet for Ravidas.

The Brahmin was tempted and gave the bracelet to his wife instead. Later, the king asked for it, and the Brahmin was forced to confess the truth to Ravidas. Ravidas then showed him the water in his Kathauti (the wooden bowl used to soak leather), and a second bracelet appeared there. Since that day, the saying "Man changa to kathauti mein Ganga" (if the heart is pure, the Ganga is in your bowl) is remembered, and devotees celebrate his jayanti with devotion.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Painting: Picture or idol of Guru Ravidas
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and Incense sticks
• Sacred Water Container: A small vessel filled with fresh water or Ganga Jal
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Fruits, Kheer, Halwa, and Karah Prasad
• Devotional Accessories: Fresh flowers, a garland, and a copy of the saint's verses (Bani)

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe (preferably in a river or with a few drops of Ganga Jal in the water), and wear clean clothes.
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Guru Ravidas, today I remember your teachings with devotion. Grant me a pure heart and the strength to see all people as equal."
3. This is a day of devotion rather than a strict fast, so keep the day simple and sattvic.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar

1. Clean the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) or the eastern wall of your room.
2. Place the picture of Guru Ravidas on a wooden stool (Chowki) covered with a clean cloth.
3. Place a small vessel filled with water near the picture and keep all the samagri ready.

Step 3: Performing the Puja

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense in front of the picture of Guru Ravidas.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat to the picture.
3. Offering Flowers & Garland: Offer fresh flowers and a garland.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place fruits, Kheer, Halwa and Karah Prasad before the picture.

Step 4: Reciting the Bani and Katha

1. Sit respectfully in front of the altar.
2. Recite or listen to the verses (Bani) of Guru Ravidas, including those in the Guru Granth Sahib, with deep focus and devotion.
3. Listen to the story of Kathauti Mein Ganga and reflect on the saint's message.

Step 5: Aarti and Satsang

1. Perform the Guru Ravidas Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. Join the Satsang, bhajans and the Shobha Yatra (Nagar Kirtan procession) at the temple, if possible.
3. Bow before the picture and pray for peace, unity and the wellbeing of all.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Prasad

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the Prasad among your family members and neighbours.
3. Share Langar, the community meal, and partake in a simple sattvic meal.