Mallikarjun Kharge extends greetings on Valmiki Jayanti

New Delhi [India], October 17 (ANI): Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday afternoon offered prayers at the Valmiki Temple, Mandir Marg, in the National Capital on the occasion of Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti.

The Congress Chief also extended greetings to the nation on this occasion.

After offering prayers, Kharge told reporters, “I have come here to offer prayers on the occasion of Valmiki Jayanti. I extend my greetings to the Valmiki Samaj…”

Valmiki Jayanti is a Hindu festival observed as the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, the author of the great Hindu epic, the Ramayana.

Maharishi (great sage) Valmiki is celebrated as the author of the oldest version of the Ramayana–the story of Lord Ram.

His contributions to literature and spirituality have made him a revered figure. He is honoured as Adi Kavi, the first poet of the Sanskrit language.

Earlier on Thursday, Mallikarjun Kharge described Maharishi Valmiki as “the author of the great religious text, the Ramayana.”

“The messenger of truth, restraint, courage, affection, goodwill, equality, and harmony, the writings of Maharishi Valmiki Ji inspire us to follow the path of austerity, sacrifice, love, and duty, and teach us to support social justice and the downtrodden,” Kharge said in a post on X.

According to the Hindu calendar, Valmiki Jayanti falls on the full moon day of the month of Ashwin, which corresponds to September-October in the Gregorian calendar.

Valmiki Jayanti 2024 is being celebrated on October 17, i.e., Thursday.