18 December 2024
All States Regional holiday | Wednesday |
This regional festival is celebrated on December 18th in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The holiday marks the birthday of Guru Ghasidas on December 18, 1736. Ghasidas was born on December 18th 1756 in Girodpuri, Chhattisgarh, India. He experienced the oppression of the caste system from an early age, which forged his desire to eliminate social inequality. Guru Ghasidas established the Satnami community in Chhattisgarh, based on the Satnam, meaning truth and equality. The teachings od Satnai community and philosophy are similar to those of Hinduism and Buddhism. The adults of this community are required to wear only white garments and abstain from intoxicants and animal foods. They do not worship any idols.
Although his teachings were similar to those of Hinduism and Buddhism, there were many differences significant enough that his teachings are somewhat considered as a different religion. His emphasised on truth, equality, social justice, and peace. He also opposed the practice of idol worship, where physical objects are seen as embodiments of god during Hindu puja rituals, and he opposed certain other facets of Hinduism. In search of ways to oppose the social injustices of the caste system and to find solutions to other problems, Guru Ghasidas travelled extensively all over Chhattisgarh and spread his teachings and thinking. His legacy is celebrated there every 18 December. The local Guru Ghasidas National Park and Guru Ghasidas University in Bilaspur are named in his honour.
Ghasidas was indeed another victim of the oppressive and degrading caste system of Hinduism that continues to discriminate the lower castes. He tried to teach social equality through his teaching and create a better environment of peach, harmoney and brotherhood,