UP to hold grand Valmiki Jayanti celebrations

The Uttar Pradesh government is set to hold grand Valmiki Jayanti celebrations on October 17, with several spectacular programmes planned for the occasion.

Temples will host recitations of Shri Ramcharitmanas, along with cultural programmes, bhajans, and kirtans. A major event will take place in Chitrakoot, the sacred site of Maharishi Valmiki’s penance.

As in previous years, the state government will once again provide a spiritual platform for local artistes to showcase their talents.

As per the government’s instructions, Valmiki Jayanti will be celebrated across all districts of Uttar Pradesh on October 17. In addition to lighting lamps and conducting ‘Deepdaan’, ‘Ramayan paath’ will take place at sites associated with Maharishi Valmiki, including temples.

These programmes will be organised at the district, tehsil, and development block levels. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed that proper arrangements be made for cleanliness, drinking water, sound systems, lighting, and security at each venue.

The UP government will also host a grand event at Lalapur, Chitrakoot.

Regional tourism officer Anupam Srivastava has been appointed as the nodal officer for the programme.

Srivastava announced that the event would begin at 11 am with the garlanding of the Valmiki statue in Lalapur.

“Spiritual and cultural performances will be conducted by Bhagwati Jagran Manch and Dayaram Raikwad and his team. The event will feature puja-havan, bhajans, Valmiki Ramayana recitations, and the Luv-Kush episode. Local public representatives will also be present, with active community participation throughout the programme,” he added.

Programmes will be organised in Ram and Hanuman temples, and temples associated with the Ramayana in various districts.

Local artistes will be given a platform to showcase their talents. A committee, chaired by the district magistrates, has selected artistes for performances at specific temples and locations in each district.

The event will be coordinated by the Culture department, Information and Public Relations department, and District Tourism and Culture Council. Nodal officers have been appointed in every district to oversee the event. The government has also stressed the importance of public participation alongside local public representatives in these programmes.