Gurugram, Aug 4 (PTI) Sant Guru Ravidas, the great 15-16th century seer of Goverdhanpur in Varanasi, taught that a person’s identity is determined not by caste or birth but by character and deeds, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Tuesday.
He was speaking after flagging off the Kalash Yatra in the state at a function held in Gurugram.
Kalash Yatra, being carried out to commemorate the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas and began from the birthplace of the revered saint in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi, reached Haryana on July 30. It would further travel across the state before the ‘Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Samrasta Yatra’ begins on October 5 from Dera Sach Khand Ballan in Punjab’s Jalandhar and culminates in Varanasi on November 5.
Saini said the yatra is not merely a religious procession but a nationwide movement dedicated to spreading the message of social harmony, equality and national unity. He asserted that Haryana would participate in the campaign with complete devotion, active public participation and collective commitment.
Before the ceremony, the chief minister offered prayers at the Sheetla Mata Temple, where the sacred kalash (pot carrying sacred soil) had been placed after its arrival in Gurugram. He reverentially carried the kalash to the flag-off venue before handing it over to representatives of all 27 districts of the state.
On the occasion, he also honoured members of the saint community by presenting them with shawls.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister said the Kalash Yatra will travel across the country till February 20, 2027, carrying Guru Ravidas Ji’s timeless message of equality, justice and humanity to every section of society.
Through Haryana’s 27 organisational districts, he said, the sacred kalash will reach villages, towns and households across the state, strengthening the spirit of social harmony and fostering unity among people.
Referring to the sacred soil brought from Varanasi, Saini said it symbolises the universal truth that soil has no caste, religion or social distinction.
He emphasised that the teachings of Sant Guru Ravidas are as relevant today as ever, urging people to translate his ideals into everyday life rather than limiting them to words.
Calling upon social and religious organisations, district presidents and devotees, the chief minister urged them to transform the Kalash Yatra into a mass public movement.
Panchayati Raj and Development Minister Krishan Lal Panwar, who was present at the event, said that the life and teachings of Guru Ravidas Maharaj symbolises humanity and selfless service.
State BJP president Archana Gupta said the party has launched a nationwide campaign to promote social harmony.
As part of the initiative, the sacred kalash containing the holy soil from Guru Ravidas Ji’s birthplace in Varanasi will be taken to all 27 organisational districts of Haryana, where they will be accorded a grand welcome before being installed in temples to spread the message of harmony, brotherhood and social cohesion across villages, Gupta said. PTI COR RUK RUK
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