Ravidas Punyatithi is the death anniversary of Sant Ravidas, the renowned saint-poet who lived during the period of Kabirdas. In 2018, Sant Ravidas Punyatithi date is April 15.
Guru Ravidas was a North Indian poet-sant of the bhakti movement during the 15th to 16th century CE. He was venerated as a Guru (teacher) in the region of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, the devotional songs of Ravidas made a lasting impact upon the bhakti movement.
According to historians, Sant Ravidas left his mortal body on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi in Vaishakh Month as per North Indian Hindi calendar.
Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated on Magh Purnima, Full Moon day Magh month (January – February). Recital of Akhand Paath, special Aarti, and Nagar Kirtan mark the major celebrations of the auspicious day.
Guru Ravidas was born in a Harijan family in Varanasi. Most of the time in his life, he was in meditation on the banks of River Ganga. He wrote numerous hymns praising the Lord. In Varanasi, Sant Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated with lot of gusto.