Thu Oct 17 10:05:16 UTC 2024: ## Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti Celebrated on October 17th, 2024
**Chennai, India** – Hindus across the country will celebrate Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti on Thursday, October 17th, 2024. This festival marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, revered as the “Adi Kavi” or first poet of the Sanskrit language. Valmiki is best known for authoring the epic Ramayana, a foundational text in Hinduism.
Observed on the full moon night (Purnima) of the Ashwin month, the festival sees devotees of the Valmiki sect engage in various rituals, including:
* **Worship:** Devotees pay homage to Valmiki Rishi as a deity.
* **Processions:** Shobha Yatras (processions) are held in his honour.
* **Devotional Music:** Traditional hymns and bhajans are sung.
* **Charity:** Followers engage in charitable acts like feeding the poor.
* **Diyas:** Traditional oil lamps, known as diyas, are lit.
Ancient temples dedicated to Maharishi Valmiki in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, dating back to around 1300 years, are a testament to his enduring legacy.
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First Piper 