When is Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi?
Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi is a regional public holiday in Kerala, India observed on September 20th each year.
The state holiday marks the death anniversary of a notable Keralite social reformer who died on this day in 1928.
History of Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi
Kerala has an important and commendable tradition of honouring social reformers with public holidays. Narayana Guru is especially important as he is the only Keralite who has a holiday for both his birthday and death anniversary.
Narayana Guru was born on August 28th 1855 into a lower caste family. He grew up to lead a reform movement, against the injustice in the caste-ridden societal structure in Kerala to promote social equality.
He was introduced to meditation and yoga by Ayyavu Swamikal and became a hermit for eight years in order to practice his meditation and yoga.
In 1904 he opened a school for children from the lower strata of the society and provided free education to them irrespective of their caste.
Narayana Guru died on September 20th 1928, at the age of 73.
"The legacy of Narayan Guru is a society elevated, in accord, the lower classes educated and full of dignity and a feeling of self-worth."
Elst, Koenraad (2002)
