Jaipur: In a move that will delight the school students and teachers of Rajasthan, the state government has announced that all the schools will remain closed on Friday, February 16, 2024, on the occasion of Devnarayan Jayanti. The holiday was declared by the Director of Secondary Education Office, Bikaner, in an order issued on February 13.
Devnarayan Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Shri Devnarayan, a revered folk deity and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped by the Gurjar community and other devotees across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. This year marks the 1112th birth anniversary of the divine warrior, who fought against the injustices committed against his family and followers.
The order stated that the holiday was declared in view of the government’s public holidays on October 9, 2023, and the instructions given regarding Shivra Panchang for the year 2023-24 have been amended accordingly. The order also said that the holiday will apply to all the government and private schools in the state.
The decision has been welcomed by the students, teachers, and parents, who expressed their happiness and gratitude to the government for respecting the faith and sentiments of the people. Many of them said that they will use the holiday to celebrate the festival with their families and friends, and also to learn more about the life and teachings of Shri Devnarayan.
According to the legend, Shri Devnarayan was born to Sadu Mata and Savai Bhoj, who was one of the 24 brave Gurjar brothers, born to the man-lion Baghji Gurjar. Devnarayan performed many miraculous feats and avenged the death of his father and uncles, who were killed by the chieftain of Ran city. He is also regarded as a protector of cows and a reliever of the sufferings of the helpless.
The festival of Devnarayan Jayanti is celebrated with great devotion and festivity, with special prayers, rituals, fairs, and cultural programs. The devotees also recite and listen to the epic tale of Bagaravat Bharat, which narrates the story of Shri Devnarayan and his ancestors. The tale is considered to be one of the longest and oldest oral epics in the world, and is preserved and transmitted by the traditional bards known as Bhopas and Bhopis.
The state government has also urged the people to follow the Covid-19 guidelines and precautions while celebrating the festival, and to avoid large gatherings and crowding. It has also appealed to the people to maintain peace and harmony, and to respect the diversity and pluralism of the state.
