The great epic of Ramayana was written by saint Valmiki and it has been the basis of many traditions and festival celebrations in India. Saint Valmiki’s birthday holds an important place in the country. It is known as Pragat Diwas or the Valmiki Jayanti.
This year, it is marked on October 13 but every year the dates differ as it is based on the Indian lunar schedule. It falls on the full moon Purnima in the Ashwin month.
History, Significance of Valmiki Jayanti
Saint Valmiki in Maharishi Valmiki is known for writing the epic Ramayana. There is also a religious group of people who respect him in the form of God and they belong to the Balmiki sect. They celebrate Valmiki Jayanti with a lot of fervor and enthusiasm.
Saint Valmiki also plays an important role in the story of Ramayana where he provided shelter to Sita during her exile. He was the priest who educated her twin sons Luv and Kush.
Apart from Ramayana, he is called Adi Kavi or the first poet in the Sanskrit language. Traditional Indian poetry is attributed to Valmiki, with verses consisting of memorable rhyming couplets, suggesting that the poem was intended for public recitation, a common Indian oral tradition.
Celebration of Valmiki Jayanti
In some parts of the country, the day is celebrated by organizing processions or Shobha Yatras. The day is celebrated mostly in the Northern states of the country like Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh. People of the Valmiki community celebrate the day by worshipping the Maharishi and offering food to the needy.
Mahavir Jayanti 2019: Here are quotes and teachings of Lord Mahavir
