Guru Ghasidas Jayanti
Guru Ghasidas is the founder of the Satnam sect of Hinduism, which has millions of followers. His teachings are instructions in the values of truth, equality, and peace. He dedicated his entire life to attaining peace and abolishing the caste system in Chhattisgarh. His legacy is celebrated annually on his birthday as Guru Ghasidas Jayanti.
Origin, History, and Significance of Guru Ghasidas Jayanti:
Guru Ghasidas was born on 18 December 1756 in Girodpuri of Balodabazar District in Chhattisgarh. Since childhood, he experienced the oppressive caste system and untouchability prevalent across the country. Determined to fight the system, he began preaching truth and equality to the people of Chhattisgarh, especially the lower castes. His followers’ community was called the Satnamis, and his teachings, i.e., the ‘Satnam Panth’, were identical to those of Buddhism and Sikhism. He devoted his life to equality, and his son, Guru Balakdas, continued preaching his beliefs on his death. The Satnami community continues in Chhattisgarh, with millions of devotees.
Guru Ghasidas was a revered personality who advocated social justice, equality, truth, and peace in a tumultuous society, striving to help the oppressed lower castes. As a result, he created a new awakening in the then-cruel and repressive Indian society. His followers believed him to be an ‘Avtari Purush’. In his fight against casteism, he travelled across Chhattisgarh state, and his legacy is thus celebrated as Ghasidas Jayanti every year. It is believed to arouse the devotees’ inspiration to worship, seek the truth, and do good to society.
When is Guru Ghasidas Jayanti celebrated?
Guru Ghasidas Baba Jayanti is celebrated annually on 18 December. It marks the birthday of the founder of the Satnami sect of Hinduism, Guru Ghasidas, on 18 December 1756. It is celebrated in Chattisgarh state, and you can make your bookings for the date with redBus to be a part of Ghasidas Jayanti 2023.
How is Guru Ghasidas Jayanti celebrated, and Where to go?
Ghasidas Jayanti is a regional festival/holiday observed in Chattisgarh, India, annually on 18 December. Numerous cultural events, programs, and functions are organized across the state to celebrate the holiday. In addition to celebrating his legacy as Guru Ghasidas Baba Jayanti, the state government has named a tiger reserve Guru Ghasidas National Park and established the Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya to laud his contributions.
Guru Ghasidas Jayanti is celebrated across the entire state of Chattisgarh with great pomp in the following ways:
- Prabhat Pheri - On the day of the Jayanti, the Satnami Sect people take a procession early in the morning, known as the Prabhat Pheri. People dance in devotion and chant the Guru’s couplets. It is a truly enriching experience for one’s soul. Following Prabhat Pheri, some functions are organized, and eminent personalities are invited for their inaugurations.
- Giraudpuri Mela - the cult of Ghasidas Baba, the Guru Gaddi, is established in Giraudpuri, Chhattisgarh. In December, to celebrate the holiday, a huge fair is held by his followers. The fair is visited by several lakhs of people every year, and they also see the Guru Ghasidas Mandir in Giraudpuri for a spiritual experience.
- Social Welfare Meetings - Guru Ghasidas dedicated his life to attaining peace and abolishing unjust practices like untouchability against lower castes. His social justice and equality goals have still not been realized in Indian society. Every year on his birthday, social gatherings are organized to discuss measures that can be taken to promote social welfare.
Guru Ghasidas Jayanti is celebrated in all places across Chhattisgarh state by the millions of devotees following Satnami teachings. Some well-known spots where the celebration is observed with great pomp and splendour are Raipur, Giraudpuri, Jagdalpur, and Pandavpura. The most accessible location is the city of Raipur, which is the capital of Chhattisgarh. It is well-connected to all parts of the country by an elaborate network of air, road, and rail routes. Travelling by bus is a cheap and convenient option, and it also allows you to enjoy Chattisgarh’s scenic beauty.
You can celebrate Ghasidas Jayanti 2023 by booking a ticket to Chhattisgarh with redBus. The most popular routes to Raipur are from Hyderabad, Banaras, Bangalore, New Delhi, etc., and the buses ply numerous times a day. Reputed bus operators like Vidhan Travels, Dhanunjaya Travels, and Yadav Travel Jabalpur offer quality service to travellers. In addition, there are numerous pick-up and drop-off points for the customer’s convenience. You can book your bus tickets online on the redBus website or app—redBus offers secure payment options and details about bus routes, duration, and seats to ensure your utmost comfort.
