Oct 17,2024
Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti, also known as Pargat Diwas, is a festival celebrated by the followers of the Hindu religion, particularly by the Valmiki community. The day honours ancient poet Valmiki, celebrated as the author of the epic Ramayana, which consists of 24,000 verses and 7 cantos.
Revered as Adi Kavi, or the first poet of Sanskrit literature, Valmiki composed many shlokas in Sanskrit. This day marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, traditionally observed on the full moon day of Ashwin in the Hindu calendar, often referred to as Panchanga.
Valmiki Jayanti 2024 will be observed on October 17. As per the Hindu Calendar, Valmiki Jayanti falls on the full moon day, or Sharad Poornima, of the Ashwin month. The day generally corresponds to the months of September and October on the Gregorian calendar.
1. Happy Valmiki Jayanti! May the divine grace of Maharshi Valmiki help you tread on the path of Dharma and righteousness.
2. For this Valmiki Jayanti, let all of us pray to find the true meaning of existence and perform noble deeds to build this world into a better place.
3. Valmiki Jayanti teaches us that one can be great not by birth but by actions. Embrace your potential
4. He who travels on the right path of Dharma can never go astray in performing Karma. Happy Valmiki Jayanti!
5. May the values and wisdom Maharshi Valmiki enlighten your path. Have a blessed Valmiki Jayanti!
It is believed that the first among the poets (Adi Kavi), Maharshi Valmiki was born on the Sharad Poornima day. His existence dates back to 500 BC according to some mythological tales. Before transformation into a saint, Maharshi Valmiki was a common man named Ratnakar.
He was infamous as a dacoit. Once Devarshi Narada advised Ratnakar to chant the name of Lord Ram and after many years of penance the notorious dacoit turned a renowned saint, Maharshi Valmiki.
The name signifies ‘born from anthills’ as there were anthills around him while he was in meditation chanting Lord Ram’s name for several years.
It is believed that Valmiki composed the Ramayana in approximately 24,000 verses (shlokas) in seven cantos (kandas) in Sanskrit language.
The Ramayana occupies its place of prominence in Hindu literature and has played an essential role in determining India’s culture and values. Maharshi Valmiki is also known as the first ever poet on earth, as per Hindu scriptures.
Valmiki Jayanti is not only a celebration of the life of a great saint and poet, but also raises awareness of his message of compassion, social justice and devotion.
The festival helps build community spirit among the followers and enlightens people to have respect for all communities in the society. Grand celebrations are held on this day at the temples of Maharshi Valmiki across the country. The temple in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, is famous for festivities on Valmiki Jayanti.