Sant Ravidas Jayanti: What's behind PM Modi's shabad kirtan and Rahul-Priyanka's langar sewa

Gandhi siblings performing langar seva, PM Narendra Modi joining sahabd kirtan.

Guru Ravidas birth anniversary on Wednesday saw top politicians vying to be the biggest fans of the guru.

The mystic poet and reformer enjoys a nationwide following, especially among a section of the Dalits. And with elections in UP and Punjab, the political symbolism of seva and shabad kirtan is not lost on anyone.

Dalits' form 32% of voters in Punjab, which is the highest in the country and voting is just days away. In UP, which is currently voting, Dalits are 20% of the population.

So, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at Guru Ravidas Vishram Dham Mandir in Delhi's Karol Bagh. He also interacted with the devotees and participated in the 'Shabad Kirtan' in the temple. PM Modi said that his government has imbibed the spirit of Guru Ravidas in every step and scheme.

Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi served langar at a temple in Varanasi on the occassion of the birth anniversary Ravidas Jayanti. Office-bearers of the temple also offered a framed picture of Guru Ravidas and souvenirs to the former Congress president, and Priyanka, the party's general secretary and its UP in-charge.

And it's not just he PM and the Gandhis. UP and Punjab Chief Ministers also paid their respects to the Sant. Not to be left behind, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal declared Februray 16 a government holiday in the Capital. Kejriwal, alongwith his party's CM face for Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, also visited Sant Guru Ravidass Dham in Jalandhar.

Sant Ravidas was regarded as a Dalit icon as he advocated for equality and dignity for all, irrespective of their caste.