School Holiday On October 7: Schools and colleges across multiple states, including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, will remain closed on October 7, in observance of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, marking the birth anniversary of the revered sage and author of the Ramayana. The day is listed as a gazetted holiday in several states and union territories. In Delhi, the Directorate of Education (DoE) had included the Valmiki Jayanti holiday in its official calendar released earlier this year. The Delhi government confirmed that all government schools and offices will remain closed on Tuesday to commemorate the occasion. Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a statewide public holiday to honour Maharishi Valmiki. “A public holiday will be observed in the state on October 7, the birth anniversary of Lord Valmiki. An uninterrupted recitation of the Ramayana will be organised in every temple,” the Chief Minister said in an official statement, adding that the day holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for devotees across the state. Significance of Maharishi Valmiki jayanti Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti celebrates the birth of Maharishi Valmiki, regarded as the Adi Kavi or the first poet in Sanskrit literature and the author of the Ramayana. As per Hindu belief, Valmiki was born to Varuna, the ninth son of Maharishi Kashyap and Aditi, and his wife Charshani. The day is marked with processions, cultural events, and recitations of the Ramayana across temples and educational institutions in various parts of India. It symbolises the values of righteousness, wisdom, and devotion embodied in Valmiki’s life and works. Schools shut in Jammu and Kashmir In Jammu and Kashmir, schools will also remain closed on October 6 and 7, though not due to Valmiki Jayanti. The state administration has declared a two-day closure for all government and private schools following heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions in the region. Authorities have advised residents to stay alert as inclement weather continues to disrupt normal functioning. This year, the observance of Valmiki Jayanti coincides with weather-related closures in some northern regions, leading to an extended break for many students. Across the country, however, the day will be marked with reverence and celebration, honouring one of the greatest sages in Indian literary and cultural history.
