Kabir Jayanti 2024: Each year, on the full moon of Jyeshtha (May or June), India celebrates Kabir Das Jayanti, the birth anniversary of a revered mystic poet and social reformer, Kabir Das. This vibrant festival honours Kabir’s love, tolerance, and social harmony legacy. His message, emphasising the unity of God and the futility of religious division, continues to resonate across generations. Notably, the date of the festival varies every year. In 2024, Kabir Das Jayanti will be celebrated on Saturday, June 22.
Kabir Das Jayanti 2024: The poet-saint from Varanasi
Obscured by time, the exact details of Kabir’s birth remain unclear, with most scholars placing it around 1398 CE. Some stories suggest he was born to a Brahmin mother but raised by a Muslim weaver, a beautiful illustration of the merging of religious influences in his life.
Kabir’s journey transcended religious divides. He sought spiritual guidance from Hindu and Muslim teachers like Ramananda and Sheikh Taqi. This unique blend of influences shaped his philosophy, which championed the idea of a single God and rejected religious extremism.
Kabir’s lasting impact lies primarily in his captivating poetry. Written in simple yet powerful Hindi, his poems drew inspiration from the Bhakti movement, a devotional movement emphasising a direct connection with the divine. Known as “Bhajans” and “Dohas,” his poems explored themes of universal love, social justice, and the importance of self-discovery.
Kabir Das Jayanti 2024: Significance and ritual
Kabir Das Jayanti is more than just a birthday celebration. It’s a vibrant tribute to the life and teachings of a revered saint. The festival reminds us of Kabir’s timeless love, tolerance, and social justice message. His life and philosophy, bridging religious divides, serve as a powerful symbol of unity and understanding between faiths. Kabir Das Jayanti also celebrates India’s rich cultural heritage. His captivating poetry, a cornerstone of Bhakti literature, inspires generations. Furthermore, the festival serves as a call to action, reminding us of Kabir’s fight for social equality and justice, a message that resonates deeply even today.
Kabir Das Jayanti bursts with vibrant celebrations that keep his memory alive. Devotees gather at special events to recite his poems, sing soulful bhajans (devotional songs), and share stories illuminating his life. Embodying Kabir’s message of community and equality, langar seva, or free community kitchens, are often organised, offering food to all regardless of background. Some communities take to the streets in colourful processions, adorned floats carrying the spirit of the festival with them, while chants of Kabir’s bhajans fill the air, enduring the influence of his work.
Kabir Das Jayanti 2024: Kabir Das’ famous verses
1. Preaching Unity in Diversity:
Bulle Shah, what is this place? It is a two day fair and it has to be held again.
Whether one becomes a Hindu or a Muslim, this business is useless in this world.
Translation:
Oh, Bulleh Shah, what is this world? A two-day fair, then it’s time to move on.
Becoming Hindu or becoming Muslim, This worldly business is futile.
2. Importance of Self-Realization:
Lord reside in my heart, I search for you in this world, behold.
I search for you within you, like a drunkard is in the wine.
Translation:
Reside within the mind, O Lord, the whole world searches for you.
You seek yourself within yourself, like intoxication within wine.
3. Social Justice and Equality:
Don’t ask about the caste of the sadhu, he has no pride in his body.
Yeh keh kar rahe Kabir, jahaan prem tahin bakhaan.
Translation:
Do not ask a saint’s caste, nor take pride in the body.
Saying this, Kabir resides where love is spoken.
