Thu Oct 17 01:41:09 UTC 2024: ## Banks Closed Today Across India for Valmiki Jayanti
**New Delhi, India:** Banks across India remained closed today, October 17, in observance of Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the revered poet and author of the epic Ramayana.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has designated the day as a holiday in several states, including Bengaluru, Guwahati, and Shimla.
Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated with enthusiasm throughout India, with devotees honoring the “Adi Kavi” (first poet) through religious ceremonies, processions, and charitable acts.
Several state governments, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh, have declared a public holiday in recognition of the occasion.
Schools and colleges in Uttar Pradesh are also closed for the day.
The RBI categorizes holidays into three types, with the current closure falling under the “Holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act.” The bank holiday calendar also includes regular closures on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, with additional festival-related holidays varying across states and cities.
While the exact date of Valmiki’s birth is uncertain, he is revered as a central figure in Hindu mythology, with his epic poem, the Ramayana, serving as a foundational text in Hinduism.
This day, also known as Pragat Diwas, provides an opportunity for communities to reflect on the cultural and spiritual significance of Maharshi Valmiki’s contributions.
First Piper 