In search of Indianness
India’s cultural consciousness is embedded with pearls of heritage carried forward through generations in the form of folk art.
Valmiki Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of the great author and sage Maharishi Valmiki. As per the traditional Hindu calendar, the day is celebrated every year on the full moon day during the month of Ashwin whereas in the Gregorian calendar it corresponds to the month of September-October.
Maharishi Valmiki was the first poet of Sanskrit literature and is believed to have drafted the first even Sanskrit shloka. He is the author of the great Hindu epic Ramayana which consists of 24,000 verses that are divided into 7 cantos. Valmiki Jayanti is observed as Pragat Diwas and is celebrated with dedication in the northern regions of India. The most famous temple of Valmiki is situated in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai and is said to be 1,300 years old. The place is of high importance as it is said that after writing Ramayana, Valmiki rested at the spot where the temple now stands.
This year, Valmiki Jayanti is on October 13. The Ashwin purnima tithi timing is from October 13, 12:36 am to October 14, 2:37am
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On Valmiki Jayanti, people pay their respect towards this renowned saint and poet. Several processions carrying the portrait of Valmiki are taken out in several towns and villages. Recitations of Ramayana are held in temples of Lord Ram all over India on this day. The day of Valmiki Jayanti holds great religious significance in Hinduism.
Here are some picture messages that one can share on Valmiki Jayanti:
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