Ravidassia leaders reject new religion

Jalandhar, India - Opposition is building against the founding of new religion — Ravidassia, complete with a new granth, symbol and motto — as announced last month at the behest of Dera Sachkhand Ballan. Days after Samaj Bachao Morcha raised a banner of protest, Sri Guru Ravidass Sadhu Sampardai Society, representing around 150 deras of the community outrightly rejected the announcement on Wednesday.

The group’s unanimous decision to reject the change came after its executive committee meeting, which was attended by over 30 Sants who categorically rejected the idea of turning their backs on Guru Granth Sahib. “No granth can replace Guru Granth Sahib which contains the bani (voice) of Guru Ravidass and other gurus,” said Sant Nirmal Dass and Sant Nirmal Singh. The session was held at Dera Sant Pritam Dass Babe Jaure, after which the decision was announced.