Kabir Das Jayanti is a festival held in honour of the saint and poet, Kabir Das, and a celebration of his legacy and ideology. The day falls on a different day each year, depending on the cycle of the moon, and is being celebrated today, 22nd June 2024.
Story: Nitya Kaimal
Kabir das Jayanti is the annual celebration of Sant Kabir’s birth anniversary, falling on the 22nd of June in 2024. it is always held on the full moon of ‘Jyeshtha’ which is why the exact date of the celebration changes every year. It is a day meant to honour Sant Kabir’s life and his respected values of social justice, love, art, and religious tolerance.
Who was Sant Kabir? You may know him better as Kabir Das, author of ‘Kabir ke dohe’. A poet born in Varanasi, Kabir Das is known for his inspiringly tolerant outlook towards religion and philosophy of life. Although the exact year of Kabir’s birth is unknown, most scholars agree that it was around 1398 CE. Some stories claim he was fostered by a Muslim weaver after being born to a Brahmin mother, which is an excellent illustration of how several religions influenced him throughout his life. Some claim that although Kabir Das was raised by Muslim parents, he received his education from a Hindu guru. In the end, though, he avoided being labelled either a Muslim or a Hindu. It is reported that he identified as the “Son of Ram” as well as the “Son of Allah.” Both Muslims and Hindus contributed to the stories surrounding Kabir, with each religion claiming his body for its funeral customs.
He was a unique blend of both communities, and his work as well as behaviour and ideology reflected the same, making him such a widely respected and renowned figure in Indian literature and spirituality.
Kabir’s poetry is largely responsible for his everlasting popularity. His work, which was written in plain but impactful Hindi, was influenced by the Bhakti movement, a devotional movement that emphasises a direct relationship with God. Also known as “Bhajans” and “Dohas,” his poems addressed issues of social justice, universal love, and the value of self-discovery.
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Kabirdas’s praise of harmony, tolerance, and unity among many people is another important facet of his work. He felt that everyone had the right to live a life of freedom and dignity and devoted his life to promoting social justice and human rights. Through his work, a more accepting and peaceful society where each person is recognized for their unique contributions was encouraged. His devotees, referred to as Kabir Panthis, have played a crucial role in disseminating his teachings and making sure that his legacy is honoured.
Significance of the festival
Kabir Das Jayanti is not just a celebration of his life, but also a reminder of all that he advocated and believed in. It is a day meant to reinforce his teachings and ideas of unity, harmony, social justice, and tolerance, among others. It is especially significant in the current political climate, where identity and religion-based conflicts are at an all-time high.
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To celebrate, devotees congregate to read his poetry, perform bhajans, and exchange stories about his life. Langar seva, or free communal kitchens, are frequently organised and provide food to everyone, regardless of background, symbolising Kabir’s ideal of equality and unity. Some villages parade through the streets in vibrant processions, their festivity captured on decorated floats, while the air is filled with the chants of Kabir’s bhajans, a tribute to the eternal influence of his writing.
*दलित टाइम्स उन करोड़ो लोगो की आवाज़ है जिन्हें हाशिए पर रखा गया है। *
महिला, दलित और आदिवासियों के मुद्दों पर केंद्रित पत्रकारिता करने और मुख्यधारा की मीडिया में इनका प्रतिनिधित्व करने के लिए हमें आर्थिक सहयोग करें।
