Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, along with dignitaries, attends the inaugural session of the Kalash Vandan Maha Abhiyan organised to mark the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas at the Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium on Thursday August 4, 2026 -Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CMO
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai joins Kalash Vandan Maha Abhiyan, announces State Award, landmark naming in Raipur and ban on meat and liquor sale on Ravidas Jayanti
In Short
- Chhattisgarh to observe a public holiday on Sant Ravidas Jayanti (Maghi Purnima) from 2027.
- Sale of meat and liquor to remain prohibited across the state on the occasion.
- State to institute a Sant Guru Ravidas State Honour Award.
- A prominent square in Nava Raipur to be named after Sant Guru Ravidas.
- Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participated in the Kalash Vandan Maha Abhiyan marking the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas.
- Sacred Kalash brought from Seer Govardhanpur, Varanasi, flagged off for distribution across districts.
Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday August 4, 2026 announced a series of initiatives to honour Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas while participating in the Kalash Vandan Maha Abhiyan, organised as part of the saint’s 650th birth anniversary celebrations in Raipur.
Addressing the gathering at the Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium, the Chief Minister said the ideals of social harmony, equality, devotion, dignity of labour and social justice propagated by Sant Ravidas continue to inspire society and remain relevant in the journey towards building a developed and inclusive India.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai lights the traditional ceremonial lamp during the inauguration of the Kalash Vandan Maha Abhiyan organised to mark the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas at Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur on Thursday August 4, 2026 -Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CMO .
“The path of harmony, equality and devotion shown by Sant Ravidas is the foundation of a developed, inclusive and strong India,” Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said.
The Chief Minister paid homage to Sant Ravidas by placing a sacred Kalash containing holy soil and water brought from the saint’s birthplace at Seer Govardhanpur in Varanasi, describing the campaign as a symbol of national unity and social harmony.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addresses the gathering during the Kalash Vandan Maha Abhiyan, highlighting Sant Ravidas’ message of equality, devotion and social harmony at Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur on Thursday August 4, 2026 -Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CMO .
Major Announcements
The Chief Minister announced that beginning next year (2027), Sant Ravidas Jayanti (Maghi Purnima) will be observed as a public holiday across Chhattisgarh.
He also declared that the sale of meat and liquor would remain prohibited throughout the state on the occasion.
To commemorate the saint’s contribution to social reform, the government will institute a Sant Guru Ravidas State Honour Award as part of the annual State Foundation Day awards.
The Chief Minister further announced that a major square in Nava Raipur would be named after Sant Guru Ravidas.
He also said the government would initiate discussions with the Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly to inscribe Sant Ravidas’ celebrated verse—
“Aisa chahun raj main, jahan mile saban ko ann; Chhot-bado sab sam basain, Ravidas rahain prasann.”
within the Assembly premises.
‘Saints Guided Society During Times of Injustice’
Reflecting on Sant Ravidas’ teachings, Sai said India has always drawn strength from saints and social reformers whenever society faced inequality, discrimination and injustice.
He said Sant Ravidas opposed social discrimination and inspired people through his message of equality, devotion and moral conduct.
The Chief Minister also referred to the saint’s well-known saying, “Man Changa To Kathauti Mein Ganga,” stating that it continues to convey the importance of inner purity and spiritual discipline.
‘Development and Heritage Go Together’
Highlighting the Centre’s cultural initiatives, Sai said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (Development as well as Heritage) reflects the need to preserve India’s rich spiritual and cultural legacy while pursuing development.
He said the sacred Kalash brought from Sant Ravidas’ birthplace would be carried to temples, monasteries and places of faith across the country as part of a campaign promoting social harmony and national unity.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai offers prayers before the portrait of Sant Guru Ravidas during the Kalash Vandan Maha Abhiyan at Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur on Thursday August 4, 2026 -Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CMO .
Kalash Campaign to Reach Every Village
The Chief Minister appreciated the 11-member delegation, led by Dr. Sanam Jangde, for bringing the sacred Kalash from Seer Govardhanpur to Chhattisgarh.
He handed over the Kalash to representatives from different districts and flagged off vehicles that will carry the sacred Kalash to villages across the state as part of the outreach campaign.
Sai expressed confidence that the initiative would help spread Sant Ravidas’ message of equality, brotherhood and social unity to every village and household.
Other Speakers
Cabinet Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb said Sant Ravidas’ teachings continue to inspire society towards equality and social cohesion, adding that the Kalash campaign would strengthen cultural awareness across villages.
Addressing the programme, Ajay Jamwal described Sant Ravidas’ message of harmony as globally relevant and urged people to carry forward his teachings through social action.
Former Rajya Sabha MP Saroj Pandey said the saint’s philosophy of equality, dignity of labour and social harmony continues to guide society and complements ongoing efforts to preserve India’s cultural heritage.
Several ministers, legislators, religious leaders and devotees attended the programme.
“The path of harmony, equality and devotion shown by Sant Ravidas is the foundation of a developed, inclusive and strong India.” — Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
“Whenever injustice, discrimination and social divisions increased, saints and great reformers showed society a new direction.” — Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
“The Kalash campaign will strengthen social harmony and take Sant Ravidas’ message to every village.” — Guru Khushwant Saheb
Background
Sant Guru Ravidas, one of India’s most revered Bhakti saints, is remembered for his teachings on equality, social justice, devotion and human dignity. His philosophy continues to inspire movements promoting social inclusion and communal harmony across the country.
The Kalash Vandan Maha Abhiyan, organised during the 650th birth anniversary year, seeks to carry sacred soil and water from Seer Govardhanpur, Varanasi, to different parts of India as a symbol of unity and shared cultural heritage.
Our Insight
By combining cultural recognition with policy announcements—including a public holiday, a state honour award and commemorative naming initiatives—the Chhattisgarh Government has linked the celebration of Sant Ravidas’ legacy with broader efforts to promote social harmony, cultural heritage and public awareness.
