Valmiki Jayanti, also known as Pargat Diwas, is a significant Hindu festival that honors the birth of Maharishi Valmiki, the revered sage and the author of the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. Celebrated with devotion and reverence across India, Valmiki Jayanti is observed by millions who pay homage to the great sage for his literary and spiritual contributions.
Date of Valmiki Jayanti in 2024
In 2024, Valmiki Jayanti falls on Saturday, October 26th. This date is determined according to the Hindu lunar calendar and corresponds to the full moon day (Purnima) of the Ashwin month. The day is marked by various religious ceremonies, including prayers, recitations of the Ramayana, and processions in many parts of India, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab.
Significance of Valmiki Jayanti
Maharishi Valmiki is celebrated as the first poet or ‘Adi Kavi’ in Sanskrit literature. His epic, the Ramayana, which consists of 24,000 verses, has profoundly influenced Indian culture, religion, and values. The story of Lord Rama, as depicted in the Ramayana, is central to Hindu tradition, and Valmiki’s portrayal of Rama as the ideal king, husband, and man has set a moral benchmark for generations.
Valmiki Jayanti is a day to reflect on the teachings of the Ramayana and to celebrate the life of a sage who transformed from a robber into a saint through the power of meditation and divine inspiration. His life story is an embodiment of redemption and the transformative power of devotion and knowledge.
Is Valmiki Jayanti a Government Holiday in 2024?
Valmiki Jayanti is observed as a public holiday in several Indian states. In 2024, it will be a government holiday in states like Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, where there are significant celebrations and processions in honor of the sage. In these states, government offices, schools, and many businesses remain closed. However, it is not a nationwide holiday, and in many other parts of India, regular work schedules are maintained.