Valmiki Jayanti 2018 Today: Know The History, Significance, Tithi and Celebrations of Pragat Diwas

We all have grown up reading or learning about the Ramayana. The great mythological epic was written by great saint Valmiki. Maharishi Valmiki is immensely revered among the Hindu community. He was the first poet in the Sanskrit language and a great sage. He wrote the Ramayana which consists of 24,000 verses. Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated every year to pay respects to the great saint and poet. It is also called as Pragat Diwas. The dates differ from year to year as it is derived from the Indian lunar schedule. Valmiki Jayanti falls on the full moon Purnima in the month of Ashwin, so it is around the months of September-October. Valmiki Jayanti 2018 will be celebrated on October 24.

Known as Maharishi Valmiki, he plays an important role in the historical epic of Ramayana. He provided shelter to Sita during the exile period and was a priest who educated the twin sons of Ram- Sita, Luv and Kush. On Valmiki Jayanti, Indians celebrate the memory of the creation of the epic piece of literature. Let us tell you the history, significance, Purnima Tithi timings and celebrations of the day. HD Deve Gowda to Be Conferred With Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti Award for His Contribution to Welfare of SC/ST Communities. 

Valmiki Jayanti Timings

Purnima Tithi Begins - 22:36 on October 23

Purnima Tithi Ends - 22:14 on October 24

History and Significance of Valmiki Jayanti

There is a belief that in his early life, Valmiki was a dacoit. He used to kill and rob people. But the day he met Narad Muni (a messenger) his life changed and he began chanting and worshipping Lord Rama. He became a great devotee of the Lord and began his chanting and meditating. He was renamed by a divine voice as Valmiki. He is thus considered of great importance in Hindi mythology.

The day of Valmiki Jayanti has a great significance in Hinduism. Maharshi Valmiki was a great poet and other Ramayana he has also done some incredible works in the Puranas. He was also revered as the 'Aadi Kavi' as he was the first poet in Sanskrit language. To honour his work, the day is celebrated mostly in the Northern states of the country. Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh mark this day.

Celebration of Valmiki Jayanti 

Devotees of the great saint celebrate the day with much reverence. The day is also called as Pragat Diwas. People worship the Maharishi and offer food to the needy and poor. Doing charity on this day is considered rewarding. In several temples, the Ramayan is recited to celebrate the day. Temples of Valmiki are decorated with flowers. Processions of the saint are taken in several villages and people collectively offer their prayers. Kirtan and bhajan programmes are held in temples.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 24, 2018 08:34 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).