Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2025: Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has declared February 12 as a public holiday on the occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti. This marks a shift from the previous practice, where the day was observed as a ‘Restricted Holiday’ (RH) which allowed employees the option to take leave or work.
With this decision, all government offices and institutions in Delhi will remain closed on February 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas. The move is expected to be welcomed by devotees and followers of Guru Ravidas, who observe the day with great spiritual significance.
“The Lt. Governor of National Capital Territory of Delhi is pleased to declare Wednesday, the 12th February, 2025 as a Holiday in all Government Offices, Autonomous Bodies & Public Undertakings, under the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, on account of Guru Ravidas Jayanti,” said the order issued by LG LG VK Saxena.
About Guru Ravidas Jayanti
Guru Ravidas was the saint-poet, who worked religiously towards reforming society and removing the caste system. Born in 1377 CE at Manduadih in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He was also a social reformer and spiritual teacher during the Bhakti movement. He worked for equality and dignity for all and promoted gender parity and opposed the division of society based on gender or caste. He was also the spiritual guide of Meera Bai. His devotees observe the saint’s auspicious birth anniversary by performing ‘aarti’ and carrying out ‘nagar kirtan.’ Some of Ravidas’ followers also take a dip in a holy river.
Decision comes after Delhi election results
The LG’s decision comes after the BJP registered a resounding victory in the recently concluded Delhi Assembly elections, defeating the Aam Aadmi Party. In the 70-member Assembly, the BJP secured 48 seats, while AAP managed only 22 — a significant decline from its 2019 tally of 62 seats. The Congress once again failed to open its account in the national capital.
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