Congress leader Rahul Gandhi marked Valmiki Jayanti by offering prayers at the Valmiki Temple, and later meeting representatives of the Valmiki community at his mother's residence. He shared his experience on social media and praised Maharishi Valmiki, whose teachings of truth, justice, and compassion continue to inspire people today. The festival, observed annually on the full moon day of Ashwin, pays tribute to the revered poet and author of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
Valmiki Jayanti: Celebrating the Birth of the Ramayana's Author
Background
Valmiki Jayanti is an annual festival celebrated in India and Nepal to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, the revered poet and author of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. The festival falls on the full moon day of Ashwin, the seventh month of the Hindu calendar, which typically occurs in October or November.
According to legend, Valmiki was a notorious bandit named Ratnakara before being transformed into a saint. After witnessing the tragic events surrounding Lord Rama's exile, he was inspired to compose the Ramayana, a timeless epic that narrates the journey of Rama, the divine prince of Ayodhya.
Current Events
This year, Valmiki Jayanti was observed on October 20, 2023. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi marked the occasion by offering prayers at the Valmiki Temple in Delhi and meeting with representatives of the Valmiki community. He praised Valmiki's teachings of truth, justice, and compassion, which continue to inspire people today.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who is Maharishi Valmiki? Maharishi Valmiki was a revered poet and sage who is believed to have composed the Ramayana, one of Hinduism's most sacred epics.
2. When is Valmiki Jayanti celebrated? Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated annually on the full moon day of Ashwin, typically in October or November.
3. What is the significance of the Ramayana? The Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic that narrates the journey of Lord Rama, a divine prince who faces numerous challenges and ultimately triumphs over evil.
4. Why is Valmiki Jayanti important? Valmiki Jayanti is a day to pay tribute to Maharishi Valmiki and the timeless teachings he imparted through the Ramayana. It also serves as an opportunity to promote values of truth, justice, and compassion.
5. How is Valmiki Jayanti celebrated? Valmiki Jayanti is traditionally celebrated with prayer offerings, recitals of the Ramayana, and cultural programs. It is also a day for feasts and community gatherings.
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