India’s rich cultural tapestry is woven with a myriad of festivals, each one a vibrant celebration of the country’s diverse heritage, traditions, and spiritual beliefs. Tulsidas Jayanti, honouring the life and legacy of Goswami Tulsidas, a revered saint-poet whose literary masterpiece, the Ramcharitmanas, has profoundly influenced the spiritual and cultural fabric of India, is celebrated annually and in 2024 it was celebrated yesterday, August 11.

The origins of Tulsidas Jayanti can be traced back to the life and times of Goswami Tulsidas. Born in the 16^th century, Tulsidas was a Ramanandi Vaishnava saint and poet whose unwavering devotion to Lord Rama inspired him to compose the epic Ramcharitmanas, a retelling of the Sanskrit Ramayana in the vernacular Awadhi language.

Tulsidas’ birth anniversary was first celebrated by his disciples and followers, who recognised the profound impact of his literary and spiritual contributions. As the years passed, the observance of Tulsidas Jayanti gained momentum, spreading across various regions of India, particularly in the northern states, where his influence was most profound.

Today, Tulsidas Jayanti is celebrated annually on the Saptami or the seventh day of the Shukla Paksha or the waxing phase of the moon in the Hindu month of Shravan, which typically falls in July or August according to the Gregorian calendar.

While Tulsidas Jayanti is observed across India, it holds particular significance in the northern states, where Tulsidas’ life and works have left an indelible mark. Tulsidas’ birthplace, Rajapur, located in the Chitrakoot district of Uttar Pradesh, is a major hub for Tulsidas Jayanti celebrations. Devotees from across the state and beyond flock to this sacred town to pay homage to the saint-poet.  The state of Madhya Pradesh, particularly the cities of Chitrakoot and Orchha, where Tulsidas spent a significant part of his life, witnesses grand celebrations during Tulsidas Jayanti. Bihar, known for its rich cultural heritage and literary traditions, embraces Tulsidas Jayanti with great fervour, as Tulsidas’ works have had a profound influence on the region’s spiritual and literary landscape. Rajasthan, which has a deep-rooted devotion to Lord Rama, celebrates Tulsidas Jayanti with enthusiasm, honouring the saint-poet who brought the Ramayana to the masses through his poetic masterpiece. Beyond these states, Tulsidas Jayanti is celebrated in various parts of India, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, and other regions where Tulsidas’ teachings and literary works have found resonance.

The celebration of Tulsidas Jayanti is a joyous occasion filled with rituals and traditions that honour the life and teachings of Goswami Tulsidas. One of the most significant aspects of Tulsidas Jayanti is the recitation of Ramcharitmanas, Tulsidas’ magnum opus. Devotees gather in temples, community centres, and homes to collectively recite verses from this epic, immersing themselves in the divine narrative of Lord Rama’s life and teachings. Devotional songs, known as bhajans and kirtans, are an integral part of the Tulsidas Jayanti celebrations. These melodious compositions, often based on verses from Ramcharitmanas, are sung, filling the air with devotional melodies and praises to Lord Rama and Tulsidas. Scholars, spiritual leaders, and literary enthusiasts organise discourses and seminars to delve into the life, works, and teachings of Tulsidas. These intellectual gatherings provide a platform for discussions, debates, and the dissemination of knowledge about Tulsidas’ literary and spiritual contributions. Tulsidas Jayanti is also celebrated through various cultural performances, such as plays, dance dramas, and musical renditions. These artistic expressions bring to life the stories and teachings from Ramcharitmanas, captivating audiences and instilling a deeper appreciation for Tulsidas’ literary genius. In keeping with the spirit of Tulsidas’ teachings, many devotees engage in charitable acts and community service during the festival. This may include distributing food and essentials to the needy, organising blood donation camps, or participating in environmental conservation efforts.

The life and works of Goswami Tulsidas are steeped in myths, legends, and fascinating stories that have been passed down through generations. These tales not only add to the mystique surrounding Tulsidas but also serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for devotees. One of the best-known stories about Tulsidas is his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. It is said that Tulsidas was so devoted to Rama that he would not even utter the name of any other deity. This deep reverence for Lord Rama is believed to have been the driving force behind his literary masterpiece, Ramcharitmanas. According to legend, Tulsidas had a profound connection with Lord Hanuman, the ardent devotee of Lord Rama. It is said that Lord Hanuman himself appeared before Tulsidas and guided him on his spiritual journey, inspiring him to compose the Ramcharitmanas and spread the teachings of Lord Rama to the masses. One of the most captivating tales surrounding Tulsidas is his encounter with Lord Rama himself. It is believed that during his pilgrimage to Chitrakoot, Tulsidas had a divine vision of Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana, which further deepened his devotion and inspired him to complete his literary masterpiece.

According to popular belief, Tulsidas was afflicted with a severe illness that left him bedridden. It is said that he was miraculously healed after reciting a verse from Ramcharitmanas, which he had composed during his illness. This legend further solidifies the belief in the divine power of Tulsidas’ literary work and his unwavering faith in Lord Rama. Another fascinating tale associated with Tulsidas is the story of his transformation from a worldly man to a devoted saint. It is said that Tulsidas initially led a worldly life, but a chance encounter with a spiritual mentor and a series of life-changing events led him to renounce the material world and dedicate his life to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and the service of Lord Rama.

Tulsidas Jayanti is a celebration that transcends religious boundaries, resonating with people from all walks of life who seek solace in the timeless wisdom and literary brilliance of Goswami Tulsidas. As we commemorate this auspicious occasion, we are reminded of the enduring power of faith, the transformative impact of literature, and the profound influence that one individual can have on shaping the cultural and spiritual fabric of a nation.

Through the recitation of Ramcharitmanas, the singing of devotional songs, and the retelling of myths and stories, we not only honor the life and legacy of Tulsidas but also keep alive the eternal teachings of Lord Rama, which have guided generations of devotees on the path of righteousness, compassion, and spiritual enlightenment.