Valmiki Jayanti celebrated with fervour

Chandigarh, Oct 7 (UNI) Valmiki Jayanti was celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh Union Territory today.

Prayer meetings, colourful processions and religious discourses marked the celebrations in the region.

Speakers at various functions, organised on the occasion, eulogised the message of Maharishi Valmiki, the author of epic holy 'Ramayana', who preached simple living with high moral character.

They exhorted people to follow the teachings of Maharishi Valmiki which were more relevant today.

A function was organised at Keorak village in Kaithal district of Haryana which was addressed by Mr Naveen Jindal, MP. Mr Jindal announced a grant of Rs 2 lakh each for the construction of Valmiki temple and construction of a road leading to Shiv tepmle.

In Moga in Punjab, hundreds of Valmikis celebrated the ''Pargat Divas'' (birth anniversary) of the poet-saint and the tastefully decorated temple in Indira Colony was thronged by hundreds of devotees.

Reports of celebrations were also received from Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur.

Punjab Governor General (retd) S F Rodrigues, State Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda have extended their greetings to the people on the occasion.

UNI VKJ SB BST1919