Khuralgarh, February 6, 2026: The Punjab government on Friday formally launched year-long celebrations to mark the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, outlining a comprehensive series of religious, cultural and academic programmes to be held across the state till February 20, 2027. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated the commemorations, announcing sustained congregations, Sant Sammelans, katha-kirtan programmes, conventions and university-level seminars, along with major infrastructure initiatives including the expansion of the Sri Guru Ravidass Memorial at Khuralgarh and the establishment of a Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Research Centre near Dera Ballan in Jalandhar.
Addressing the state-level function organised to commemorate the 649th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji, the Chief Minister said the state government would ensure that financial constraints do not dilute the scale or spirit of the celebrations. He asserted that all directions of the Sant Samaj would be fully implemented and described himself as a humble participant in the sacred congregation. CM Mann said it was the collective duty of society to spread Guru Ji’s message of equality, social justice and an egalitarian order free from discrimination.
Highlighting steps taken to institutionalise Guru Ji’s legacy, CM Mann said the state government has already established Chairs at Punjab University and Guru Nanak Dev University to promote research on the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji. He said the government has constructed a world-class memorial at Khuralgarh at a cost of nearly ₹148 crore, featuring modern tourist facilities, an auditorium, Minar-e-Begumpura and Sangat Hall. He further announced that 12 acres of land have been purchased at a cost of ₹10 crore near Dera Ballan for setting up a state-of-the-art Sri Guru Ravidass Adhyan Centre, envisioned as a major hub for research and propagation of Guru Ji’s teachings.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to social justice, CM Mann said Punjab’s policies on education, healthcare and welfare are guided by the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji and the ideals of equality championed by Babasaheb Ambedkar. He highlighted initiatives such as the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, under which families are entitled to cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh, benefiting nearly 65 lakh families. Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, addressing the gathering, said Punjab was following Guru Ji’s path by ensuring equal rights, quality education and healthcare for all. Several cabinet ministers, legislators, representatives of the Sant Samaj and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
