Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Tuesday said that the Punjab Government is celebrating the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj on an unprecedented scale. The minister informed that a comprehensive year-long programme is underway to put light on revered saint's life, philosophy and message of equality.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan here, Mr Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that the Punjab Government has already earmarked Rs 80 crore for the celebrations, adding that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has assured of providing additional funds, if required, to ensure the successful and befitting organisation of all programmes.
S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond said the grand celebrations have been planned in a phased manner and will continue throughout the year to spread the timeless teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj among people across Punjab as well as the global community. He said the programmes have been designed to engage people from all sections of society through religious, educational and environmental initiatives.
S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that 30-minute documentary shows are also being screened in over 13,000 villages apart from school level competitions based on the life and teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass ji Maharaj. The Cabinet Minister informed that seminars and workshops on the life, philosophy and legacy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj will be organised at leading universities across the state from July to November. Special Kirtan Samagams will also be held in different districts, while drone shows showcasing the Guru's life and teachings will be organised in the Assembly constituencies between August and November.
He further said that the government will establish 650 Guru Ravidass Ji Bagichis across Punjab, undertake a plantation drive of 6.50 lakh saplings, organise a "Run for Equality" marathon at all district headquarters in August and conduct cycle rallies across all district headquarters in September. Additionally, 6.50 lakh commemorative flags will be distributed across the state in October.
Highlighting the religious events, the Minister said that four Shobha Yatras will culminate at Khuralgarh, beginning from Varanasi, Faridkot, Bathinda and Jammu between 5 and 8 October. He informed that the celebrations will culminate in a grand three-day State-level function at Khuralgarh from October 9 to 11, 2026.
On the first day (October 9), an exhibition on the life of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj, Katha and Kirtan Darbar, Sant Samelan and a conference on Guru Ji's Bani will be organised. On October 10, devotees will witness Katha and Kirtan Darbar, a conference on the Bani of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj, a spectacular 3D projection at Minar-e-Begumpura and a drone show.
The concluding day, October 11, will feature Katha and Kirtan Darbar, Begumpura Samagam, another 3D projection at Minar-e-Begumpura and a grand drone show. Describing these as the centrepieces of the celebrations, S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond said the state government is making every effort to ensure that the younger generation connects with the egalitarian ideals and spiritual teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj through modern technology and meaningful public participation.
The Cabinet Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government is committed to organising these celebrations with utmost devotion and grandeur so that the universal message of equality, social harmony, fraternity and human dignity preached by Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj reaches every household. On this occasion, Director Tourism Sh. Sanjeev Tiwari was also present.