Ramdev Jayanti: Exploring History, Rituals & The Grand Fair of Rajasthan

Ramdev Jayanti is a major Hindu festival celebrated to honor the birth anniversary of Baba Ramdev, a revered 14th-century saint and folk deity, especially in Rajasthan. Known for his miraculous powers, commitment to social equality, and deep compassion, Baba Ramdev is venerated by people of all communities and brings together lakhs of devotees each year through vibrant rituals, fairs, and cultural traditions.

Historical Background and Early Life

Baba Ramdev, also revered as Ramdev Pir, was born in 1352 AD in Runicha, Rajasthan, the son of King Ajmal Tanwar and Queen Mainade. His father, longing for a child, is said to have received Baba Ramdev as a blessing after praying to Lord Krishna. Baba Ramdev is believed by his followers to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna, and his humanitarian, reformist life is the subject of deep devotion and legend across northwestern India. Even as a child, stories of his spiritual powers and miracles spread, marking his destiny as a unifying figure who broke social and religious barriers.

Significance and Philosophy

Baba Ramdev’s life was dedicated to uplifting the marginalized, poor, and downtrodden, transcending boundaries of caste, creed, or gender. He is known for championing equality, devotion, honesty, and compassion. His teachings and actions promoted unity and inclusivity, making him a powerful force for social reform during medieval India. Miracles attributed to him—such as healing the sick, granting sight to the blind, and helping the needy—are still recounted by his followers and have been instrumental in the evolution of his veneration.

Legends and Miracles

The Wooden Horse Story

One of the most famed legends involves a wooden horse. As a child, when given a toy horse covered in old cloth by a dishonest artisan, Baba Ramdev’s spiritual powers brought the horse to life and made it fly, uncovering the toymaker’s deceit. This act led to the tradition of devotees offering wooden toy horses, some now even offering live horses at the Ramdevra Temple, as symbols of faith and fulfillment of wishes.

Visit of the Five Pirs

Another celebrated miracle is the visit by five pirs (Muslim saints) from Mecca, who tested Baba Ramdev’s powers. When they mentioned their eating bowls were left in Mecca, Baba Ramdev miraculously summoned the bowls. Impressed, they honored him as Ram Shah Peer, and their tombs now rest near his Samadhi in Ramdevra, symbolizing the deep respect from diverse religious groups.

Major Sites: Ramdevra and the Temple Complex

The principal center of reverence for Baba Ramdev is Ramdevra village (also called Runicha), near Pokhran in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan. The Ramdevra Temple was constructed by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner around Baba Ramdev’s Samadhi in 1931. This temple forms the focal point of annual pilgrimage known as the Ramdevra Fair. The temple complex includes Baba Ramdev’s Samadhi, a sacred tank called Ramsagar, and tombs of the five pirs. Over time, the site has grown in religious, cultural, and touristic importance.

Date and Duration of Celebration

Ramdev Jayanti is celebrated annually on the second day of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the Bhadrapada month in the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in August or September. In 2025, Ramdev Jayanti will be observed on September 2, with festivities at Ramdevra Fair spanning from August 25 to September 3.

Rituals and Celebration Traditions

Temple Visits and Prayers

Devotees start the day with a holy bath, followed by visiting Baba Ramdev’s temples—especially the main Ramdevra Temple. Rituals such as Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the idol), Aarti (offering of light), singing of devotional bhajans and Ramdev Chalisa, and offering of sweets, coconuts, and wooden toy horses are widespread.

Padyatra and Parikrama

Many devotees undertake padyatras (barefoot pilgrimages) to Ramdevra, sometimes journeying hundreds of kilometers. Upon reaching, they perform parikrama (circumambulation) of the temple, demonstrating devotion and seeking blessings.

Community Feasts (Bhandaras)

An important aspect of Ramdev Jayanti is the organization of bhandaras—free community feasts open to all, irrespective of background. These feasts symbolize social equality and community service, echoing Baba Ramdev’s core values.

The Ramdevra Fair

Held annually during the festival, the Ramdevra Fair is among Rajasthan’s largest religious gatherings. It features marketplaces selling traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, sweets, devotional items, musical performances, and Rajasthani folk dances. The fair not only sustains local artisanal traditions but also promotes tourism and cultural exchange.

Offerings: Wooden Horses and Beyond

Devotees traditionally offer wooden horses covered in cloth at the temple, commemorating the famous childhood legend. In modern times, some devotees have started offering live horses, especially when their wishes are fulfilled.

Cultural Impact and Relevance

Ramdev Jayanti is celebrated by Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Jains alike, making it a unique symbol of syncretic culture in Rajasthan and neighboring regions. The festival is a public holiday in Rajasthan, emphasizing its regional and social importance. Baba Ramdev’s life and teachings continue to inspire unity, inclusivity, kindness, and dedication to humanitarian causes in contemporary society.

Literary and Folk Traditions

Several poets, bards, and devotees (such as Harji Bhati, Raja Mansinh, and Rani Rupande) have composed legendary folklores, bhajans, and devotional songs celebrating Baba Ramdev’s life, preserving his memory within the vibrant oral traditions of Rajasthan.

Ramdev Jayanti Beyond Rajasthan

While deeply rooted in Rajasthan, the festival is observed with devotion in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Sindh (in present-day Pakistan), among the region’s Meghwal and Muslim devotees. Shrines and processions can also be found in parts of Gujarat, Haryana, and as far as Sindhi communities abroad, attesting to its widening cultural reach.

Modern Observances and Digital Era

In recent times, Ramdev Jayanti celebrations and temple activities have gained visibility through digital tours and online streaming of rituals. The Rajasthan government and tourism sector have encouraged responsible tourism, combining spiritual travel with cultural experiences for visitors.

Conclusion

Ramdev Jayanti is a vibrant reminder of India’s syncretic, spiritual heritage. It celebrates the life, miracles, and enduring message of Baba Ramdev: selfless service, unity, tolerance, and the deep spiritual power that transcends human divisions. Through elaborate rituals, mass pilgrimages, folk performances, and communal feasts, the festival strengthens bonds across faiths and communities.