Thu Oct 17 10:31:19 UTC 2024: ## Valmiki Jayanti Celebrations Across India: Schools Closed, Events Planned
**New Delhi, India** – Valmiki Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the revered author of the Ramayana, Maharishi Valmiki, will be celebrated across India on Wednesday, October 17th. To mark this important occasion, several states have declared holidays for schools, colleges, and government offices.
The Uttar Pradesh government has officially announced that all schools in Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad will be closed on this date. Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh have also joined in, confirming school closures in recognition of the esteemed author’s legacy. This holiday aims to allow people to participate in celebrations and reflect upon Valmiki’s significant contributions to Indian culture and literature.
Various events and processions are expected to take place throughout the country to commemorate Maharishi Valmiki. These celebrations are known for their vibrant processions and tableaux that honor his contributions to Indian society.
According to mythology, Maharishi Valmiki was born to Varuna, the ninth son of Maharishi Kashyap and Aditi. He was also known for his role in the Ramayana, where he provided refuge for Sita after she was abandoned by Lord Ram and educated his sons, Luv and Kush.
In addition to the Valmiki Jayanti holiday, schools will observe further closures later in the month for Diwali, which falls on October 31st.
**[Note: The final paragraph about Baba Siddique’s death is unrelated to the main topic and should be removed from the news article.]**