Wed Oct 16 10:26:23 UTC 2024: ## State to Celebrate Valmiki Jayanti as Festival: Minister Lokesh
Vijayawada: **The Andhra Pradesh government has announced the celebration of Valmiki Jayanti as a state festival, fulfilling a promise made by Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh during his Yuvagalam padayatra.**
Lokesh had received requests from the Boya and Valmiki communities to celebrate Valmiki Jayanthi on a grand scale during his statewide walk. Responding to their appeal, the BC welfare department has issued orders for the celebration of the festival on October 17th in all district centres.
**Minister Lokesh and BC welfare minister S Savitha will grace the festivities in Anantapur on the day.** The celebration is expected to be a grand affair, honouring the revered sage Valmiki.
First Piper 