Guru Ravidas Parkash Purb: Punjab to hold 92 drone shows from Sept 1

Four shobha yatras, from Varanasi, Jammu, Faridkot and Bathinda, will culminate at Khuralgarh Sahib ahead of a three-day state-level function

Punjab will organise 92 drone shows across all assembly constituencies from September 1 as part of the year-long celebrations marking the 650th Prakash Purb of Guru Ravidas, tourism and cultural affairs adviser Deepak Bali said on Thursday.

The Punjab government launched year-long, state-wide celebrations to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, a 15th-century saint, poet and social reformer, in February this year. (@BhagwantMann)

Addressing a press conference, Bali said the shows would be held in three clusters—Malwa, Doaba and Majha—and showcase the life, teachings and philosophy of Guru Ravidas through technology with a particular focus on engaging the younger generation.

He said the state government had earmarked around ₹100 crore for the celebrations, which would include 12 special kirtan samagams, seven of which have already been held. A documentary on the saint’s life and teachings is also being screened in villages across the state.

Four shobha yatras, from Varanasi, Jammu, Faridkot and Bathinda, will culminate at Khuralgarh Sahib ahead of a three-day state-level function.

Bali said the celebrations would also feature seminars at educational institutions, a ‘Run for Equality’ marathon at district headquarters and cycle rallies in September. The government will establish Guru Ravidas Bagichis across 650 acres and plant 6.5 lakh saplings.