Punjab Govt reviews preparations for 650th Parkash Purab Celebrations of Guru Ravidass Ji
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 3, 2026: Punjab Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Monday reviewed preparations for the year-long celebrations marking the 650th Parkash Purab of Guru Ravidass Ji and directed all concerned departments to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the successful conduct of programmes across the state.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, Sond said a series of religious, cultural, educational and public outreach programmes would be organised across Punjab from July to November as part of the commemorative celebrations.
The meeting was attended by Member of Parliament Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal, Punjab Heritage and Tourism Development Board adviser Deepak Bali, members of the expert panel and representatives of religious and academic institutions.
Officials informed the meeting that seminars and workshops on the life, philosophy and legacy of Guru Ravidass Ji were being organised at leading universities across Punjab. Special Kirtan Samagams are also being held to spread Guru Ravidass Ji’s message of equality, social justice and universal brotherhood.
As part of the celebrations, Guru Ravidass Ji’s Bagichis are being established on 650 acres of land across Punjab. A plantation drive involving 6.50 lakh saplings and the distribution of 6.50 lakh commemorative flags are also underway. A ‘Run for Equality’ marathon at district headquarters and cycle rallies across the state have also been planned.
Four Shobha Yatras will be organised from Varanasi, Faridkot, Bathinda and Jammu to Sri Khuralgarh Sahib during the first week of October. This will be followed by a three-day state-level function at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib from October 9 to 11.
The state-level event will feature exhibitions on the life and teachings of Guru Ravidass Ji, Katha and Kirtan Darbars, Sant Sammelans, conferences on Guru Ravidass Ji’s Bani, Begumpura Samagams and 3D projection shows at Minar-e-Begumpura.
Reviewing the preparations, Sond directed all departments to work in close coordination and ensure seamless arrangements for devotees and visitors. He asked officials to make adequate provisions for accommodation, sanitation, drinking water, transportation, security, traffic management, medical assistance and other essential services.
Sond said the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, was committed to commemorating the 650th Parkash Purab of Guru Ravidass Ji in a dignified and memorable manner.
He said the celebrations would help spread Guru Ravidass Ji’s timeless teachings of equality, fraternity, compassion and social harmony, particularly among the younger generation. The minister also directed officials to regularly monitor the preparations and ensure the smooth conduct of all events so that devotees from across the country could participate with ease and devotion.