Sangrur, August 19, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday paid obeisance at a Kirtan Darbar held at Mastuana Sahib in Sangrur to mark the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj.
CM Bhagwant Mann said the Punjab government is committed to taking the life, philosophy and teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj to every household. He said the Guru's message of universal brotherhood, equality and dignity continues to inspire efforts to build an ideal and egalitarian society.
The Chief Minister said the state government has earmarked a ₹100-crore budget for grand celebrations of the 650th Parkash Purab across Punjab.
Seeking blessings for the happiness and prosperity of Punjab, CM Mann said the government would continue working for the welfare of all sections of society and for passing the legacy of the Gurus and martyrs on to the younger generation.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said he had the privilege of paying obeisance at the Kirtan Darbar at Mastuana Sahib and described the message of universal brotherhood and equality as a source of strength.
Focus on Equality and Social Dignity
Addressing the gathering, CM Mann said the Kirtan Samagam was aimed at spreading the message of social equality and devotion to the Almighty. He said Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj raised his voice for oppressed and marginalised sections and advocated an end to caste discrimination and social inequality.
He said the celebrations would help connect the younger generation with the Guru's teachings and inspire them to contribute towards creating a society based on equality and dignity.
CM Mann said his government was committed to improving the lives of weaker and underprivileged sections and ensuring their welfare. He described Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj as a spiritual guide and a voice for the poor and underprivileged.
The Chief Minister said the 650th Parkash Purab provides an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to building a society where every person can live with self-respect and dignity without discrimination.
Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj's Message of Equality
CM Mann said Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj spoke strongly against caste discrimination and social inequality and promoted the values of humanity, compassion, equality and dignity.
He said the Guru's teachings envisioned a society free from social divisions, suffering and deprivation. Through his Bani, Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj offered spiritual wisdom and challenged prejudices associated with social inequality.
The Chief Minister said the Punjab government would continue working towards the egalitarian society envisioned through the Guru's teachings.
Referring to Punjab's tradition of social harmony, CM Mann said the state is a sacred land of Gurus, saints and seers who have promoted mutual love, tolerance and brotherhood.
He said attempts to weaken Punjab's communal harmony and social bonding had failed in the past and would not succeed in the future. According to the Chief Minister, people in Punjab traditionally celebrate festivals together and stand with one another in both good and difficult times.
Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and other dignitaries were also present at the event.
Year-Long Celebrations Across Punjab
The Punjab government is organising year-long programmes to mark the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj.
The celebrations include special Kirtan Samagams in different cities, seminars at universities and documentary shows through 50 mobile vans across all 13,000 villages of Punjab.
The government has also planned drone shows and a Shobha Yatra from different states to Khuralgarh. A three-day state-level programme dedicated to the 650th Parkash Purab will also be held at Khuralgarh Sahib.
