Guru Ravidas Ji’s 650th Prakash Purab: Drone shows to be held across Malwa, Doaba and Majha
Four major Shobha Yatras from Kashi, Jammu, Faridkot and Bathinda to culminate at Khuralgarh Sahib on the eve of three-day State-level function
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 21, 2026: Advisor to the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, Punjab, Mr. Deepak Bali, today said that Punjab Government, under the visionary guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is organising a series of religious, cultural, educational and social programmes throughout the year to commemorate the 650th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji with full respect and religious fervour.
Mr. Bali said that a major feature of the celebrations would be 92 drone shows covering all Assembly constituencies of Punjab. These shows would be organised in three clusters—Malwa, Doaba and Majha—and would commence from September 1.
He said that the drone shows would present the life, teachings and philosophy of Guru Ravidas Ji through modern technology and provide an innovative medium for connecting the younger generation with the rich spiritual and cultural heritage associated with the great saint.
Addressing a press conference here today, Mr. Bali said that the celebrations have been planned on a large scale to take the life, philosophy and universal message of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji to every section of society, particularly the youth and people living in rural areas. He said that the programmes are aimed at spreading the message of equality, social harmony, brotherhood and human dignity given by the great saint. He said that a budget of approximately 100 crore has been allocated by the Punjab Government for this holy cause.
Mr. Bali said that under the year-long celebrations, 12 Special Kirtan Samagams are being organised at different places across Punjab, out of which seven programmes have already been held. He said that the remaining programmes would be organised as per the scheduled calendar.
He further said that a documentary based on the life and teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji is being screened across villages, so that the younger generation and people in rural areas can learn about the saint's life, Bani and contribution to society.
Mr. Bali said that four major Shobha Yatras would be taken out including Varanasi to Khuralgarh, Faridkot to Khuralgarh, Bathinda to Khuralgarh and Jammu to Khuralgarh.
These Shobha Yatras, he said, would carry the message and teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji to different parts of the State before culminating at Khuralgarh Sahib.
Mr. Bali said that a three-day State-level function would be organised at Khuralgarh Sahib.
While elaborating further details of the programme, he said that the first day, would feature an exhibition on the life of Guru Ravidas Ji, Katha and Kirtan Darbar, Sant Samelan and a conference on the Bani of Guru Ravidas Ji.
The second day would include Katha and Kirtan Darbar, a conference on the Bani of Guru Ravidas Ji, 3D projection at Minar-e-Begumpura and a drone show.
The concluding day would feature Katha and Kirtan Darbar, Begampura Samagam, 3D projection at Minar-e-Begumpura and a drone show.
Mr. Bali said that similarly, seminars and workshops on the life and legacy of Guru Ravidas Ji are also being organised at universities and educational institutions across Punjab from July to November.
He said that such programmes are being held at educational institutions across the state.
He said that these academic programmes would provide an opportunity for students, scholars and academicians to deliberate upon the teachings, Bani, social philosophy and legacy of Guru Ravidas Ji.
The Advisor further said that Guru Ravidas Ji’s Bagichis are being established on 650 acres of land across Punjab. Besides this, a major plantation drive is being undertaken under which 6.50 lakh saplings are being planted in every district.
He said that these initiatives would give a lasting social and environmental dimension to the year-long celebrations.
Mr. Bali said that a ‘Run for Equality’ Marathon would be organised at all district headquarters in the ongoing month, while Cycle Rallies would be held at all district headquarters in September.
He said that these programmes would further disseminate the message of equality and social harmony associated with the teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji and encourage active participation of people, especially the youth.
Concluding his address, Mr. Bali said that the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring that the 650th Prakash Purab celebrations become a year-long people’s movement, with the teachings and philosophy of Guru Ravidas Ji reaching every village, town and city of the State.
He appealed to the people of Punjab to participate enthusiastically in all the programmes and make the celebrations a befitting tribute to Sri Guru Ravidas Ji and his timeless message of equality, fraternity and universal brotherhood.