HP CM Sukhu pays tribute on Valmiki Jayanti
Synopsis
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu paid tribute to Maharishi Valmiki on his birth anniversary, honouring the Adikavi's composition of the Ramayana and his enduring message of dharma and truth.
Key Takeaways
CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu issued a tribute on Valmiki Jayanti, 26 October 2026 , from the official Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister's Office account.
He hailed Maharishi Valmiki as the Adikavi — the first poet — and credited him with bringing the ideals of Lord Ram to every household through the Ramayana .
The message emphasised Valmiki's role in inspiring society to follow the path of dharma and truth .
Maharishi Valmiki is traditionally regarded as the composer of one of India's two great Sanskrit epics, the Ramayana .
Marking Valmiki Jayanti is a longstanding practice for Himachal Pradesh governments across party affiliations.
On the occasion of Valmiki Jayanti, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh offered reverential homage to Maharishi Valmiki — the sage celebrated across India as the Adikavi (the first poet) — on Monday, 26 October 2026.
In a message shared from the Chief Minister's Office of Himachal Pradesh on X, CM Sukhu wrote: 'On the birth anniversary of the Adikavi, Maharishi Valmiki ji, I offer him a hundred salutations. Through the 'Ramayana', Maharishi Valmiki ji brought the ideal life and great character of Lord Shri Ram to every person, and inspired society to walk the path of dharma and truth.'
Maharishi Valmiki is revered in Indian tradition as the composer of the Sanskrit epic Ramayana, one of the foundational texts of Indian civilisation. His designation as Adikavi — literally, the first poet — reflects the belief that he gave Sanskrit literature its earliest formal verse form, the shloka. Valmiki Jayanti, observed on the full moon of the Hindu month of Ashwin, draws large gatherings of devotees across northern India, with processions and community events in towns and villages alike.
For Himachal Pradesh, a Himalayan state where religious and literary anniversaries carry deep community resonance, such official acknowledgements are a customary part of the public calendar. Chief ministers across party lines have consistently marked Valmiki Jayanti, underscoring the sage's place as a figure of shared cultural heritage rather than sectarian identity. CM Sukhu, who has led the state since December 2022 under the Indian National Congress, continues that tradition with today's message.
The tribute arrives at a moment when the Ramayana's cultural footprint remains as vivid as ever in Indian public life — making the ancient sage's jayanti far more than a ceremonial tick on the official calendar.
Point of View
Reinforcing the state's identity as a guardian of Himalayan and broader Hindu literary heritage. For a Congress-led government, such observances also serve to counter any perception of distance from majority religious sentiment. The durability of the Ramayana as a living cultural reference — not merely a historical text — gives even ceremonial tributes a quiet political weight.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Valmiki Jayanti and when is it celebrated?
Valmiki Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, the ancient sage revered as the composer of the Sanskrit epic Ramayana. It is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashwin, which in 2026 falls on 26 October .
Who is Maharishi Valmiki?
Maharishi Valmiki is an ancient Indian sage regarded as the author of the Ramayana, one of the two great Sanskrit epics of India. He is honoured with the title Adikavi , meaning the first poet, for composing the earliest formal verse in Sanskrit literary tradition.
What did CM Sukhu say on Valmiki Jayanti 2026?
CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that Maharishi Valmiki brought the ideal life and great character of Lord Ram to every person through the Ramayana, and inspired society to walk the path of dharma and truth.
Is Valmiki Jayanti a public event in Himachal Pradesh?
Yes, Valmiki Jayanti is observed with community gatherings and processions across Himachal Pradesh. State governments, including the current administration led by CM Sukhu , mark the occasion with official tributes.
Which party governs Himachal Pradesh in 2026?
Himachal Pradesh is governed by the Indian National Congress , led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu , who took office in December 2022 .
