## Valmiki Jayanti 2024: A Celebration of the ‘Adi Kavi’
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, India will celebrate Valmiki Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the revered poet Maharshi Valmiki. Known as the ‘Adi Kavi’ or the ‘First Poet,’ Valmiki is credited with authoring the epic Ramayana, a cornerstone of Hindu mythology and literature. This day holds immense significance in the Hindu calendar, commemorating the life and teachings of this great sage.
Several states across India, recognizing the importance of this occasion, have declared a public holiday on October 17th. Schools, colleges, banks, and government offices in states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh will remain closed, allowing people to participate in celebrations and remember Valmiki’s contributions to Indian culture and literature.
The Story of Maharshi Valmiki: From Thief to Sage
Valmiki’s journey is an inspiring tale of transformation. Born Agni Sharma to a Brahmin family, he initially led a life of thievery. However, his path changed drastically when he encountered the great sage Narada. Moved by Narada’s teachings and the realization of his own failings, Agni Sharma embarked on a rigorous path of penance. His unwavering devotion and commitment led to a divine intervention – he was bestowed the name ‘Valmiki,’ meaning ‘born out of anthills,’ as massive anthills grew around him during his years of meditation.
Celebrating Valmiki Jayanti: A Day of Devotion and Commemoration
Valmiki Jayanti, also known as ‘Pragat Diwas,’ is observed with great reverence by devotees of the Valmiki sect. They consider Valmiki Rishi as a divine being and celebrate the day with a multitude of activities:
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Shobha Yatras:
Processions filled with devotional hymns and bhajans are organized in his honor.*
Feeding the Poor:
Acts of charity and kindness, reflecting Valmiki’s spirit of compassion, are a significant part of the celebrations.*
Lighting Diyas:
Illumination with diyas, representing the light of knowledge and wisdom, symbolizes the enlightenment that Valmiki achieved.Auspicious Timings for Valmiki Jayanti 2024:
The Purnima Tithi, the day of the full moon, is considered auspicious for celebrating Valmiki Jayanti. This year, the auspicious timings are:
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Purnima Tithi Begins:
08:40 PM on October 16, 2024*
Purnima Tithi Ends:
04:55 PM on October 17, 2024The Legacy of Valmiki:
Valmiki’s story is a testament to the transformative power of self-reflection, devotion, and the pursuit of knowledge. His teachings and the timeless epic, the Ramayana, continue to inspire generations, offering valuable insights into morality, dharma, and the human condition. As India celebrates Valmiki Jayanti, it is an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of this great sage and his profound contributions to the world of literature, spirituality, and human values.