JAMMU, Jul 31: The All Jammu and Kashmir Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha (AJKGRDS) on Friday demanded that 131 holy Kalashes containing sacred soil from the birthplace of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj be ceremonially installed at the historic Raghunath Temple, Jammu, as part of the preparations for the 650th Parkash Utsav of the revered saint.
The demand was raised during a press conference held at the Sabha’s headquarters in Krishna Nagar, Jammu, which was attended by members of the central managing committee, representatives of various district and branch Sabhas from across Jammu province, and prominent community leaders.
Addressing the media, Er. R.C. Bhasin, President of the All J&K Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha, outlined the Sabha’s proposed programme for commemorating the 650th Parkash Utsav, scheduled to be observed on February 20, 2027. He said the celebrations would include a series of religious and social programmes across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Sabha welcomed the BJP-RSS initiative to commemorate the occasion under the banner of “Shri Guru Ravidass Samarasta Sankalp Abhiyan”, saying that efforts to promote social harmony and equality are positive. However, the organisation maintained that such initiatives should remain free from political considerations and should faithfully reflect the teachings of Guru Ravidass Ji.
The Sabha proposed that the sacred Kalashes first be placed at Raghunath Temple before being taken to other prominent temples and Guru Ravidass temples across Jammu and Kashmir. It also called for an inclusive Bhaichara Baithak involving members of all sections of society to promote harmony and strengthen social unity in accordance with the teachings of Guru Ravidass Ji.
Senior Vice President Prof. G.L. Thapa said the Sabha would organise the main Parkash Utsav at its central headquarters on February 20, 2027, with participation from all regional branches. He added that a grand Shobha Yatra would be taken out three days before the main function under the guidance of Sri Sri 108 Swami Gurdeep Giri Ji Maharaj of Dera Swami Jagat Giri Trust, Pathankot.
Prof. Thapa said the community supports initiatives that genuinely promote the ideals of equality, fraternity and social justice propagated by Guru Ravidass Ji. He, however, expressed the Sabha’s concern that commemorative programmes should remain focused on the saint’s teachings rather than political messaging.
The Sabha also raised several issues concerning the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, including recruitment policies, promotional reservations, educational scholarships, implementation of welfare schemes and other matters affecting socially disadvantaged communities. It urged the government to address these concerns while upholding the constitutional principles of equality and social justice.
The press conference concluded with the Sabha reiterating its commitment to celebrating the 650th Parkash Utsav in a spirit of devotion, social harmony and inclusiveness, while appealing for broad public participation in the upcoming events.