Guru Ravi Das Jayanti 2025: Are Schools, Colleges, Government Offices Open Or Closed On Feb. 12 In Delhi?

The Delhi government has declared a public holiday on Wednesday, Feb. 12, on account of Guru Ravidas Jayanti. The decision marks a shift from past practice when the day was designated as a 'Restricted Holiday' (RH), giving employees the option of taking leave or working. 

The official notification, issued by the general administration department, mentioned that the restricted holiday for Ravidas Jayanti, announced in November 2024, has been cancelled in favour of this full public holiday. 

"The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi is pleased to declare Wednesday, February 12, 2025, as a holiday in all government offices, autonomous bodies and public undertakings of the Delhi government, on account of Guru Ravidas Jayanti," the official notification read.

“The Restricted Holiday on the occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti earlier declared vide Notification No. P. 53/689/GAD/CN/2024-25/2018-2064 dated 13/11/2024 stands cancelled,” it added.

As per the official order, all Delhi state government offices, autonomous bodies, public sector undertakings offices, schools, colleges and other educational institutions shall remain closed on Wednesday on account of Ravi Das Jayanti 2025. 

Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated on the birth anniversary of the 15th-century saint and poet 'Guru Ravidas'. Born in Varanasi, the poet-saint played an important role in the Bhakti movement and advocated against social ills like untouchability and caste inequality.

Ravidas Jayanti is observed in several regions of India, especially in the northern parts. According to the Hindu calendar, the day falls on Magh Purnima (the full moon day in the month of Magh.) This year, the day will be observed on Wednesday, February 12.

The day is celebrated across the country with huge joy and fervour with religious processions, community gatherings and devotional songs. Every year, a special event is organised at Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan Mandir in Varanasi, attracting thousands of devotees.