The event witnessed soulful Kirtan performances by renowned Hazuri Ragi Bhai Ravinder Singh and Bhai Davinder Singh Sodhi from Darbar Sahib
27 April, 2026 – Ropar : The Punjab Government commenced the state-wide celebrations marking the 650th Parkash Purb (birth anniversary) of Guru Ravidas with a Kirtan Darbar at Nehru Stadium in Ropar.
“The event, organised on Sunday evening, marked the beginning of a year-long series of programmes aimed at spreading the universal teachings of the revered Guru across the state and beyond,” said Finance Minister, Harpal Singh Cheema, who attended the programme in Ropar.
The event witnessed soulful Kirtan performances by renowned Hazuri Ragi Bhai Ravinder Singh and Bhai Davinder Singh Sodhi from Darbar Sahib. This was followed by an enlightening ‘Katha Vichar’ by Bhai Gurmeet Singh, who inspired devotees to incorporate the teachings of Guru Ravidas into their daily lives.
Harpal Singh Cheema, who attended as the chief guest, said that during last year’s Parkash Purb celebrations at Khuralgarh Sahib, the Chief Minister had announced a comprehensive plan to celebrate the 650th birth anniversary through large-scale spiritual and educational programmes.
Cheema said that the primary objective of the initiative is to disseminate the Guru’s message of equality, unity and social justice across the globe. “Various educational and spiritual programmes are being organised in schools, colleges and universities across Punjab to connect the younger generation with the Guru’s teachings,” he said. He further informed that similar Kirtan Darbars would be organised in all districts, with Ropar hosting the inaugural event.
Announcing a key initiative, the minister revealed that the state government has acquired 10 acres of land near Dera Sachkhand Ballan to establish a ‘Sri Guru Ravidas Bani Adhyayan Kendra’. The centre, with a seating capacity of 750, will serve as a hub for research and in-depth study of the Guru’s sacred ‘Bani’. He said architectural plans have been finalised and construction work will commence soon. The centre will also showcase historical research related to Guru Ravidas, he said.
Advisor to the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department Deepak Bali said the Guru’s message encourages society to rise above discrimination and work towards equality and brotherhood.
Ropar AAP MLA Dinesh Chadha welcomed the dignitaries and expressed gratitude to the state government for selecting Ropar as the venue for the inaugural event.
Several religious leaders, including Sant Baba Kewal Singh of Tap Asthan Khuralgarh Sahib and Sant Satwinderjit Singh Heera of the All India Adi Dharam Mission, were present on the occasion.Among others, Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh, Deputy Commissioner Aditya Dachalwal, SSP Maninder Singh, and several local representatives and officials also attended the event.
The Tribune