Santoshgarh/Una, August 2 (Rajveer Chopra): A grand 'Kalash Vandan Yatra' (procession of sacred urns) was taken out on Sunday from the historic Shri Guru Ravidas Temple in Santoshgarh as part of the 'Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan' (Campaign for Social Harmony Pledge), organized to mark the 650th birth anniversary year of the revered saint Guru Ravidas Maharaj. The objective of the event was to disseminate Guru Ravidas Maharaj's message of equality, brotherhood, and social harmony among the masses, and to take a pledge to build a developed India by rising above casteism and social discrimination.
A large number of devotees participated in the event, including former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur, Rajya Sabha MP Sikander Kumar, former Minister Dr. Rajiv Saizal, and MLA Satpal Singh Satti. On this occasion, a formal ritualistic worship was performed for 17 sacred urns (Kalash) brought from the birthplace of Guru Ravidas at Seer Govardhanpur in Varanasi. These urns contained a mixture of the sacred soil from the birthplace and water from the Ganges; they were subsequently dispatched to temples across the 17 organizational districts of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Himachal Pradesh.
During the procession, hundreds of devotees, including MLA Satpal Singh Satti, participated by reverently carrying the urns on their heads. The atmosphere along the entire route remained filled with devotion, resonating with chants hailing Guru Ravidas Maharaj, as well as Gurbani and devotional songs (bhajans).
Speaking on the occasion, Anurag Thakur stated that the 'Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan' is not merely a religious event but a broad public campaign aimed at uniting society. He remarked that Guru Ravidas Maharaj propagated a message of equality, humanity, and love—a message that needs to reach every individual. He urged people to rise above the mindset of casteism and social division and to embrace the ideals of Guru Ravidas Maharaj.
He further noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the legacy of the great saint has gained new recognition through initiatives such as the development of Guru Ravidas's birthplace in Varanasi, the installation of a bronze statue, and the construction of a museum. Anurag Thakur stated that this campaign would continue across the state until February 20, 2027, marking the 650th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas Maharaj. Under this initiative, messages promoting social harmony, patriotism, and the resolve for a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) will be conveyed through *Kalash Yatras* (processions carrying sacred urns) in various districts.
MLA Satpal Singh Satti remarked that the philosophy of Guru Ravidas Maharaj inspires the creation of a harmonious society free from the caste system. He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ayodhya Airport has been named after Maharshi Valmiki and the Adampur Airport in Punjab after Guru Ravidas Maharaj; additionally, rail services to his birthplace have been launched.
Rajya Sabha MP Sikander Kumar stated that the visionary outlook of Guru Ravidas Maharaj serves as a strong foundation for building a developed India and fostering social harmony. Meanwhile, former Minister Dr. Rajiv Saizal described the 'Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan' (Social Harmony Pledge Campaign) as a commendable effort to strengthen the spirit of equality, goodwill, and brotherhood in society.
During the event, Sant Ramkishan and Sant Gyananand Maharaj enlightened the devotees about the life and philosophy of Guru Ravidas Maharaj through their discourses. The Deep Binji Kirtan Mandali captivated the congregation with their soulful renditions of *Gurbani* and *Bhajan-Kirtan*.
Kulvinder Singh Bains (President, Guru Ravidas Temple Committee), Balwant Singh (Chairman, Jod Mela Committee), and Balveer Bagga honored the guests by presenting them with *Siropas* (traditional scarves of honor). Following the program, a grand *Langar* (community feast) was organized for the congregation.
Several dignitaries and devotees were present on the occasion, including former MLAs Kamlesh Kumari, Balveer Chaudhary, Rajesh Thakur, and Devendra Bhutto; Haroli BJP leader Prof. Ram Kumar; SC Morcha President Manish Chauhan; General Secretaries Ajay Kabir and Sumit Sharma; Daisy Thakur (Mahila Morcha); Zila Parishad Vice-Chairman Avinash Menon; Zila Parishad member Pawanjeet Singh; BDC Una Chairman Harpal Singh Gill; Santoshgarh Municipal Council Chairperson Anjana Chabba and Vice-Chairman Sandeep Pahesh; and Lakhveer Lakkhi, among others.