Government organised the birth anniversary of Santh Sevalal Maharaj, the religious leader of the Banjara community for the first time

Tags: National News

For the first time, the Union Ministry of Culture is organising a year-long festival to mark the 284th birth anniversary of Santh Sevalal Maharaj, the spiritual and religious leader of the Banjara community.

An overview of the news: 

• This jubilee year program started on February 26, 2023 under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Under this, a two-day program was organised as a part of the 284th birth anniversary celebrations on February 26-27, 2023 at Dr. Ambedkar International Center in New Delhi.

• Home Minister Amit Shah was invited as the chief guest in this program.

• For the last 3 years, New Delhi based Santh Sevalal Maharaj Charitable Trust has been celebrating it in Delhi.

Santh Sevalal Maharaj:

• He was born on February 15, 1739 at Suragondankoppa in Shivamogga district of Karnataka.

• He is considered a social reformer and spiritual teacher of the Banjara community.

• Due to his extraordinary knowledge, excellent skills and spiritual background in Ayurveda and Naturopathy, he was able to dispel the myths and superstitions prevalent in the tribal communities and improve their lives.

• In states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, Santh Sevalal Maharaj  is the revered icon of every Banjara family.

• In February, the birth anniversary of Santh Sevalal Maharaj ji is celebrated with great pomp in all these states.

• The Samadhi Sthal of Santh Sevalal Ji is situated at Pohradevi in Manora Taluka of Washim District of Maharashtra, which is also known as Banjara Kashi.

• The population of the Banjara community in the country is 10 to 12 crores.