CM Nayab Saini joins Valmiki Jayanti yatra in Jalandhar
Synopsis
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini participated in a grand Valmiki Jayanti pilgrimage in Jalandhar on October 18, 2026, joining a foot-march to Shri Ramtirth in Amritsar and invoking Bhagwan Valmiki's teachings on equality and social harmony.
Key Takeaways
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini joined the Valmiki Prakatya Utsav pilgrimage in Jalandhar on October 18, 2026 .
The yatra was organised to proceed to Shri Ramtirth, Amritsar — one of the holiest sites in the Valmiki tradition.
Saini participated in the padh yatra (foot march) alongside thousands of devotees and addressed the congregation.
He received blessings from revered saints present at the event.
Saini invoked Bhagwan Valmiki's teachings on equality, brotherhood, and social harmony in his address.
The Chief Minister extended best wishes to all organisers of the event.
On the sacred occasion of Bhagwan Valmiki Jayanti, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini walked alongside thousands of devotees in Jalandhar on Sunday, October 18, 2026 — joining a grand pilgrimage organised in honour of the ancient sage and bound for Shri Ramtirth, Amritsar.
A foot-march from Jalandhar to Amritsar's holiest Valmiki site
Shri Ramtirth in Amritsar is one of the most venerated sites in the Valmiki tradition — a place deeply entwined with Ramayana lore and the sage's enduring legacy. The prakatya utsav (birth-anniversary celebration) draws lakhs of devotees each year from across Punjab and neighbouring states. CM Saini participated in the padh yatra (foot march), addressed the assembled sangat (congregation), and received blessings from revered saints present at the event.
Posting on X, Saini described it as a privilege — 'is avas par upasthit sammanit santon ka ashirwad bhi prapt kiya' ('I also received the blessings of the respected saints present on this occasion'). He called the pilgrimage a vehicle for carrying Bhagwan Valmiki's ideals to every person.
Equality, brotherhood, and social harmony — Valmiki's message in modern public life
Bhagwan Valmiki, traditionally revered as the author of the Ramayana, is a central figure of devotion for the Valmiki community — a community with a significant presence across Haryana and Punjab. His teachings, as Saini emphasised, centre on samanta, bhaichara aur samajik samarasta — 'equality, brotherhood, and social harmony.' These are not just theological ideals; in the political register, they carry deliberate resonance with Scheduled Caste welfare and inclusive-India narratives.
Indian political leaders across the spectrum have long participated in Valmiki Jayanti events, but a sitting Chief Minister walking a foot-march and directly addressing the congregation on historically significant Punjab soil signals more than ritual attendance. It is a visible act of solidarity with a community that forms a meaningful part of the electoral geography of both states.
Why Jalandhar, and why this pilgrimage route matters
Jalandhar has historically been a hub of Valmiki community activity and religious organisation in Punjab. The route from Jalandhar to Shri Ramtirth, Amritsar carries deep spiritual weight — the destination site is associated directly with Valmiki's ashram in Ramayana tradition, where Sita is said to have taken refuge. For pilgrims, walking this route is not just devotional; it is a re-enactment of sacred geography. Saini extended 'heartfelt best wishes' to all organisers of the event and closed with the invocation 'Jai Bhagwan Valmiki!'
Point of View
Saini amplifies the signal beyond his own state's constituency. Invoking Valmiki's teachings on social harmony also fits neatly into the BJP's broader 'Samajik Nyay' (social justice) framing, which seeks to recast SC outreach in a cultural-religious idiom rather than a purely welfare-policy one. Whether that framing deepens community trust or is read as ceremonial optics will depend on follow-through in policy and representation.
NationPress
18 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Valmiki Jayanti and why is it celebrated?
Valmiki Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Valmiki , the ancient sage traditionally regarded as the author of the Ramayana. It is celebrated with devotional processions, prayers, and community gatherings — especially significant for the Valmiki community across Punjab, Haryana, and northern India.
What is Shri Ramtirth in Amritsar?
Shri Ramtirth is a sacred site in Amritsar, Punjab , associated with Ramayana traditions and believed to be the location of Valmiki's ashram where Sita stayed. It is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for Valmiki devotees.
Why did Haryana CM Nayab Saini go to Jalandhar for Valmiki Jayanti?
Jalandhar served as the starting point for a grand pilgrimage organised on the occasion of Valmiki Jayanti 2026 . CM Saini joined the foot-march and addressed the congregation as part of the event, which was bound for Shri Ramtirth in Amritsar.
What did Nayab Singh Saini say at the Valmiki Jayanti event?
CM Saini said that Bhagwan Valmiki's teachings inspire us to walk the path of equality, brotherhood, and social harmony. He expressed confidence that the pilgrimage would carry Valmiki's ideals to every person, and extended best wishes to all organisers.
Is Valmiki Jayanti a public holiday in Haryana?
Valmiki Jayanti is recognised as a gazetted holiday in Haryana and several other Indian states, reflecting the sage's significance to a large community of devotees across the region.
