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."

महान धर्मग्रंथ रामायण के रचयिता, आदिकवि महर्षि वाल्मीकि जी की जयंती पर समस्त देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ।

सत्य, संयम, साहस, स्नेह, सदभाव, समानता और सौहार्द के संदेशवाहक, महर्षि वाल्मीकि जी की रचनाएं हमें तप, त्याग, प्रेम एवं निरंतर कर्तव्य पथ पर अग्रसर रहने की प्रेरणा देती… pic.twitter.com/sYN4FzQ7TM

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) October 17, 2024

"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. (ANI)