Valmiki Jayanti 2026 today: Purnima timings, significance and where schools and banks are shut

Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, which marks the birth anniversary of the sage revered as the author of the Ramayana, is being observed across India today, Monday, 26 October 2026. Several states have declared a holiday for schools and government offices, which is why searches for “today holiday” have climbed alongside the festival’s name.

Date and Purnima tithi timings

Valmiki Jayanti falls on Purnima, the full-moon day, of the Hindu month of Ashwin. According to Drik Panchang, for New Delhi the Purnima tithi began at 11:55 am on Sunday, 25 October, and ends at 9:41 am on Monday, 26 October.

Because the tithi is in effect at sunrise on Monday, the Jayanti is being marked on 26 October in India. Tithi timings vary slightly from city to city, so devotees usually check a local panchang for exact times.

Significance of the day

Valmiki is honoured as the Adi Kavi, the first poet of Sanskrit literature, and the Ramayana attributed to him remains one of the most influential texts in Indian culture. Traditional accounts, as summarised by Drik Panchang, describe him as a man named Ratnakar in his early life who, on the advice of the sage Narada, turned to deep penance and came to be known as Valmiki.

The day is observed with recitations from the Ramayana, prayers and shobha yatras, or processions, particularly in north India. Members of the Valmiki community hold special gatherings, and temples dedicated to the sage see visitors through the day. In Delhi, India TV reported that the state government has organised processions, tribute meetings and a special programme at the Secretariat, to be attended by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

Where it is a holiday today

Uttar Pradesh: The Yogi Adityanath government has declared 26 October a public holiday. Schools and government offices are shut, though India TV reported that banks in the state will remain open. The state had dropped several birth-anniversary holidays in 2017, and later restored this one after demands from the Valmiki community and other groups.

Delhi: Government and private schools, colleges and other educational institutions are closed for the day.

Other states: A state-wise list published by India TV also shows school holidays in Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Schools in Manipur and Tripura are also closed, but for separate local observances, Mera Houchongba and Lakshmi Puja respectively.

Banks: According to Dainik Jagran’s state-wise list, bank branches are closed today in Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh for Valmiki Jayanti, in Tripura for Lakshmi Puja, and in Jammu and Kashmir for Accession Day. Branches in other regions are working as usual. Online banking, UPI and ATMs are not affected, though cheque clearance and other counter services in the affected regions may be delayed until branches reopen.

Since holiday notices can differ between districts and institutions, parents and customers are advised to confirm with their school or bank branch before stepping out.

Sources

• Drik Panchang: 2026 Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti (New Delhi)
• India TV News: Yogi government declares public holiday on October 26 in Uttar Pradesh for Valmiki Jayanti
• India TV News: Schools closed in Delhi, UP, these states for Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti 2026; check list
• Dainik Jagran English (MP-CG): Bank Holiday Tomorrow: Check Where Branches Will Remain Closed on October 26