Former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi, now representing Jalandhar in Parliament, has ignited a national debate by formally requesting a holiday for Saint Guru Ravidas’s birth anniversary. In a letter dated recently to the Lok Sabha Speaker, he calls for February 1, 2026, to be marked as a gazetted national holiday.
Channi portrays Guru Ravidas as a philosopher-reformer whose ideals of equity and humanity underpin modern India. Celebrated with fervor in Punjab, UP, Haryana, Delhi, and key sites like Varanasi’s Seer Govardhanpur, the day draws massive crowds for devotional programs.
A critical conflict arises: The date overlaps with the 2026 Union Budget tabling, compelling attendance in the House despite it being a Sunday restricted holiday. This, Channi contends, denies elected representatives and citizens the chance to partake in sacred observances.
Quoting his letter: ‘I humbly request declaring this pious day a national holiday, adjusting parliamentary business to honor the saint’s social and spiritual heritage.’ The plea resonates amid rising demands for inclusive national calendars.
Channi’s bold step highlights the intersection of faith, politics, and governance. Should the government concede, it could set a precedent for honoring other unsung heroes of social reform, strengthening national cohesion.