Patiala: The Punjab government on Sunday launched statewide celebrations marking the 650th Parkash Purb of Guru Ravidas with a kirtan darbar at Ropar's Nehru Stadium, inaugurating a year-long programme to spread the Guru's message.
The event featured a Kirtan by Hazuri Ragis from Sri Darbar Sahib, including Bhai Ravinder Singh and Bhai Davinder Singh Sodhi, and was followed by Katha by Bhai Gurmeet Singh.
Finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema, the chief guest, said the plan for organising the programme was announced by chief minister Bhagwant Mann during last year's Parkash Purb at Khuralgarh Sahib. He said Kirtan Darbars would be held in every district, along with educational and spiritual programmes in schools, colleges and universities.
Cheema announced the government had acquired 10 acres near Dera Sachkhand Ballan to establish a "Sri Guru Ravidas Bani Adhyayan Kendra" with a 750-seat capacity for research and study of the Guru's teachings. He said the design has been finalised and construction will begin soon, adding that the centre will also showcase historical research related to the Guru.
Tourism advisor Deepak Bali said Guru Ravidas's teachings emphasise equality and brotherhood, while Ropar MLA Dinesh Chadha said social progress lies in following the gurus' path.
