Yearlong events in works to celebrate 650th '€˜Parkash Purab'€™ of Guru Ravidas: Punjab minister

Chandigarh, Jul 14 (PTI) Punjab cabinet minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Tuesday said the government is celebrating the 650th 'Parkash Purab' of Guru Ravidas with a yearlong programme focusing on the saint's life, philosophy and message of equality. The tourism and cultural affairs minister said the state government has already earmarked Rs 80 crore for the celebrations, adding that Bhagwant Mann has assured of providing additional funds, if required, to ensure the successful and befitting organisation of all programmes. Grand celebrations have been planned in a phased manner and will continue throughout the year to spread the timeless teachings of Guru Ravidas among people across Punjab as well as the global community, he said. The programmes have been designed to engage people from all sections of society through religious, educational and environmental initiatives, he said here. A 30-minute documentary is also being screened in over 13,000 villages apart from school-level competitions based on the life and teachings of Guru Ravidas. The minister informed that seminars and workshops on the life, philosophy and legacy of Guru Ravidas will be organised at leading universities across the state from July to November. Special 'Kirtan Samagams' will also be held in different districts, while drone shows showcasing the Guru's life and teachings will be organised in the Assembly constituencies between August and November, he said. He further said the government will establish 650 Guru Ravidas Bagichis across Punjab, undertake a plantation drive of 6.50 lakh saplings, organise a 'Run for Equality' marathon at all district headquarters in August and conduct cycle rallies across all district headquarters in September. Additionally, 6.50 lakh commemorative flags will be distributed across the state in October. Highlighting the religious events, the minister said that four 'Shobha Yatras' will culminate at Khuralgarh, beginning from Varanasi, Faridkot, Bathinda and Jammu between October 5 and 8. He informed that the celebrations will culminate in a grand three-day State-level function at Khuralgarh from October 9 to 11. On October 9, an exhibition on the life of Guru Ravidas, 'Katha' and 'Kirtan Darbar', Sant Samelan and a conference on Guru's Bani will be organised. On October 10, devotees will witness 'Katha' and 'Kirtan Darbar', a conference on the 'Bani' of Guru Ravidas, a spectacular 3D projection at Minar-e-Begumpura and a drone show. The concluding day, October 11, will feature Katha and Kirtan Darbar, Begumpura Samagam, another 3D projection at Minar-e-Begumpura and a grand drone show. Describing these as the centrepieces of the celebrations, Sond said the state government is making every effort to ensure that the younger generation connects with the egalitarian ideals and spiritual teachings of Guru Ravidas through modern technology and meaningful public participation. The minister reiterated that the Punjab government is committed to organising these celebrations with utmost devotion and grandeur so that the universal message of equality, social harmony, fraternity and human dignity preached by Guru Ravidas reaches every household. PTI CHS APL APL