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A new religion, Ravidassia Dharm was announced in Banaras, India late on Saturday, a move that could create a major impact on the socio-political space in Punjab.
The Times of India reported that the new community would have its own separate religious book, Amrit Bani Guru Ravidass, containing 240 hymns of Guru Ravidass, a separate symbol 'Har' and a separate motto 'Jai Gurudev'.
The move has triggered debate among religious, social and political sections, especially in Punjab.
The new religion comes after the killing of Sant Ramananad, the deputy of dera head Sant Niranjan Dass, in Vienna on May 24 last year in Ravidass
Sant Niranjan Dass was injured in the attack allegedly carried out by some Sikhs. The motive behind the attack is still not known and Austrian police are still investigating the case.
The move is said to have had the silent approval of some Congress leaders and administrative officials close to the dera.
