Thu Oct 17 06:45:15 UTC 2024: ## Schools across India to Celebrate Valmiki Jayanti with Holiday

**New Delhi, October 16, 2024** – Schools, colleges, and government offices across various states in India will be closed on Wednesday, October 17th, in observance of Valmiki Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, the revered author of the Ramayana.

The Uttar Pradesh government has officially announced the closure of all schools in Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, while other states including Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh have also declared holidays to mark the occasion. The holiday allows people to participate in celebrations and remember Valmiki’s contributions to Indian culture and literature.

Various events and processions are expected to take place in these states to honour his legacy. Maharishi Valmiki is celebrated with great enthusiasm across most parts of India on Valmiki Jayanti, with processions and tableaux organized in various regions to honour his contributions.

According to mythology, Maharishi Valmiki was born to Varuna, the ninth son of Maharishi Kashyap and Aditi, and his wife Charshani. He is believed to have gained his name due to termites building mounds around his body while he was in deep meditation. In Sanskrit, termite mounds are called Valmiki.

Valmiki is also known for his role in the Ramayana, as he provided refuge to Sita after Lord Ram abandoned her. He is also credited with educating Ram’s sons, Luv and Kush.

In addition to the holiday on October 17th, schools will have additional holidays later in the month, including Diwali on October 31st.

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