Valmiki Jayanti is observed in remembrance of the birth anniversary of the great sage and author, Maharishi Valmiki. According to the traditional Hindu calendar, Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated on Purnima tithi (full moon Day) in the month of Ashwin whereas in the Gregorian calendar, it falls in the month of September-October. Maharishi Valmiki is the author of the prominent Hindu epic scripture Ramayana and is also respected as the ‘Aadi Kavi’ or the first poet of Sanskrit Literature.

Ramayana, portraying the tale of Lord Ram was first authored by him in Sanskrit language and contains 24,000 verses which are divided into 7 ‘Kandas’ (cantos). Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated in honour of this renowned saint. This auspicious day is observed with a lot of dedication in the northern states of India and is popularly called ‘Pragat Diwas’. Let’s find out more about Valmiki Jayanti in 2023, its significance and its rituals.

Valmiki Jayanti 2023: Date and Muhurat

This year Valmiki Jayanti will be observed on Saturday, October 28, 2023

Purnima Tithi Starts: 04:17 a.m on October 28, 2023
Purnima Tithi Ends: 01:53 a.m on October 29, 2023

Significance of Valmiki Jayanti

Valmiki Jayanti holds extraordinary importance in Hinduism as it commends the unmatched commitment of Maharishi Valmiki. He has created some unimaginable works that incorporate Ramayana, Mahabharata and a few other Puranas. The festival of Valmiki Jayanti is a tribute to an incredible saint who vanquished his limits and through his lessons urged the majority to battle against social injustice. He passed on the values of Lord Rama to the youth and remembered him as a man of strong morale and kindheartedness.

Also Know When is Ram Navami and why it is celebrated.

Rituals Observed During Valmiki Jayanti

On Valmiki Jayanti, individuals offer their respect towards this eminent holy person and poet. There are several processions held in villages and towns where people carry the portrait of Maharishi Valmiki and take a round to the temples.
Many temples in India conduct the recitation of Ramayana on this day. There are quite a few temples dedicated to Maharishi Valmiki in India and they’re decorated beautifully with flowers on Valmiki Jayanti.
The atmosphere of the temples seems pure and blissful with several diyas and incense sticks lighted and kirtans and bhajans being organized.
Many people even visit the temples of Lord Rama to remember Maharishi Valmiki and recite a few verses of Ramayana.
Lastly, there’s a ritual of free distribution of food to the poor and needy people held by various organizations since it’s considered rewarding to do charity on this day.

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DevDarshan facilitates online Daily Darshan, Pujas and digital donations for Devotees. Due to the present state of the pandemic, the majority of the Temples have shifted to conducting online Valmiki Jayanti Puja for the convenience of the Devotees. However, it becomes a bit of a hassle to connect to the Mandir priests to get the puja conducted. DevDarshan can come to your rescue at that moment. DevDarshan is a platform which provides a smooth interaction between the Temples, Pandits and the Devotees without much worry and hassle. It also conducts online Pujas such as online Valmiki Jayanti Puja. Check out the online services provided by DevDarshan here and get your bookings done in one click.