NEW DELHI: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi offered prayers at the Valmiki Temple in Delhi on the occasion of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti on Thursday. The Congress leader paid obeisance at the temple and paid his respects to the celebrated and revered author of the Ramayana. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended wishes on the day and posted a video on X with the caption, “Happy Valmiki Jayanti to all of you.” Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also wished the people of the state on Valmiki Jayanti and said that sage Valmiki gave the message of social harmony and equality. “The teachings of moral values like harmony, harmony and humanity given by him are more relevant today than ever before. His thoughts and ideals will continue to inspire us to establish an egalitarian society, ” said CM Dhami. Andhra Pradesh BJP vice president also took to his social media handle on X and posted, “Tributes to Adikavi Maharishi Valmiki ji on his birth anniversary. His wisdom continues to guide and inspire generations through the Ramayana.” Valmiki Jayanti is a Hindu festival observed as the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, who wrote the great Hindu epic Ramayana. Maharishi (great sage) Valmiki is hailed as the author of the oldest version of Ramayana the story of Lord Ram. His contributions to literature and spirituality have made him a beloved figure. He is revered as Adi Kavi the first poet of the Sanskrit language. 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 will be celebrated on October 17, Thursday.