Kabir Jayanti is an auspicious occasion celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of the great Indian mystic poet and saint, Kabir Das. It falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, usually in May or June. In 2025, Kabir Jayanti is observed on 11th June.
This day is celebrated across India, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, with immense devotion and reverence. Followers of the Kabir Panth (a religious sect that follows the teachings of Kabir) and admirers of his spiritual wisdom remember his contributions to literature, society, and spirituality.
🔯Who Was Sant Kabir Das?
Sant Kabir Das was born in 1398 CE (as per popular belief) in Varanasi (Kashi). Though historical records about his birth are unclear, legends say he was found by a Muslim weaver couple, Neeru and Neema, who raised him with love. Despite being born in a weaver family and having no formal education, Kabir emerged as one of the greatest poets and spiritual master's in Indian history.
Kabir was a revolutionary voice in medieval India who challenged the dogmas of both Hinduism and Islam. He advocated for a formless God and emphasized inner devotion (bhakti), truth, simplicity, and love over rituals, caste, and religion.
✅Spiritual Journey
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Kabir was deeply influenced by Ramananda, a Hindu Bhakti saint. Though there are different accounts, tradition says Kabir accepted him as a guru.
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He rejected blind ritualism in both Hinduism and Islam, criticizing idol worship, casteism, pilgrimage, fasting, and formal worship.
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Kabir believed in "Nirguna Bhakti" – devotion to a formless God (without attributes), often referred to as “Ram” (not the deity, but a symbolic name for God).
📚Kabir's Teachings and Philosophy
Kabir’s teachings transcended the boundaries of religion and caste. He spoke the language of unity, equality, and universal brotherhood. His verses, known as Kabir ke Dohe, are short poetic couplets filled with deep meaning and spiritual insight. They are still widely read and quoted.
Kabir believed that God resides within us, and to find God, one must look within rather than performing external rituals or visiting religious places.
Famous Dohas of Kabir Das in English
Here are some of his most famous dohas (couplets) translated into English, along with their meanings:
1.
Original:
"Bura jo dekhan main chala, bura na milya koi;
Jo mann khoja aapna, mujhse bura na koi."
Translation:
"I went in search of the wicked, but I found none as wicked as me.
When I looked within myself, I realized the worst was within me."
Meaning:
We often blame others, but true wisdom lies in self-reflection. Our flaws are within, not outside.
2.
Original:
"Kabira khada bazaar mein, maange sabki khair;
Na kahu se dosti, na kahu se bair."
Translation:
"Kabir stands in the marketplace, wishing well for everyone.
He holds no friendship or enmity with anyone."
Meaning:
Kabir promotes a universal approach of peace and love, free from attachments and conflicts.
3.
Original:
"Dheere dheere re mana, dheere sab kuch hoye;
Maali seenche sau ghada, ritu aaye phal hoye."
Translation:
"Slowly, slowly, O mind, everything in its own pace happens;
The gardener may water a hundred pots, but fruit arrives only in its season."
Meaning:
Patience is the key to success. Everything happens in its own time, despite our efforts.
4.
Original:
"Jab tu aaya jagat mein, log hanse tu roye;
Aisi karni na kari, pachhe hanse sab koye."
Translation:
"When you were born, you cried while the world rejoiced;
Live such a life that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice."
Meaning:
Live a meaningful and impactful life that brings joy to others even after you're gone.
5.
Original:
"Moko kahan dhunde re bande, main to tere paas mein;
Na main deval, na main masjid, na Kaabe Kailash mein."
Translation:
"Where do you search for me, O devotee? I am within you.
I am neither in temples nor in mosques, nor in Kaaba or Kailash."
Meaning:
God is not confined to places of worship; He resides within each being.
💮Kabir Jayanti Celebrations
On Kabir Jayanti, various events are organized to spread Kabir’s teachings. Followers take out processions, chant bhajans, read his dohas, and attend spiritual discourses (satsangs). Social service activities, langars (community meals), and charitable acts are also common. Schools and cultural institutions organize essay competitions and drama performances based on Kabir’s life and values.
The Kabir Chaura Math in Varanasi and Kabir Math in Maghar (where Kabir left his mortal body) are the main centers of celebration.
Kabir’s Relevance Today
In today's world, divided by religion, politics, and materialism, Kabir’s messages are more relevant than ever. His words urge us to seek unity, question blind beliefs, and embrace humanity over ritualism. His timeless wisdom reminds us that love, humility, and truth are the real paths to the divine.
Conclusion
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