Guru Ravidas Jayanti today: Everything about the popular saint

February 16 marks the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, a Bhakti movement saint. The Delhi government has declared a holiday on the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti today. The Election Commission had earlier this month postponed the single-phase state assembly poll date of Punjab from February 14 to February 20 due to Ravidas Jayanti.

Guru Ravidas is considered one of the members of Bhakti movement, who worked against social division based on caste through his verses and teachings.

In his message hailing the poet and saint, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Guru Ravidas dedicated his life to eliminating evil practices such as casteism and untouchability. Modi said his government has imbibed his spirit in every step and scheme.

The prime minister also said that on the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti on Wednesday, he will pray for people's welfare at the 'Shri Guru Ravidas Vishram Dham Mandir' in Karol Bagh here at 9 am.

"On this occasion, I am reminded of some things about the holy place of Sant Ravidas ji. In 2016 and 2019, I had the privilege of paying obeisance there and having 'langar'. As an MP, I had decided that no shortcoming would be allowed in the development work of this pilgrimage site," the prime minister said in a series of tweets in Hindi.