The events aim to bring the human values, social harmony and national ideals reflected in Maharishi Valmiki’s timeless composition, the Ramayana, to people across the state.
A major programme will be organised at Chitrakoot, regarded as a place of penance associated with Maharishi Valmiki. The event will include worship, havan, the Luv-Kush episode and other activities.
Programmes will also be held at Tulsidas Ashram in Rajapur, Chitrakoot; Valmiki Ashram in Bithoor, Kanpur; Valmiki Ashram in Shravasti; and other locations, including Ayodhya and Prayagraj.
D.K. Sharma, Regional Tourism Officer in Chitrakoot, said that, following the Yogi government's directions, the district administration would organise a large-scale programme at Lalapur, a site associated with Maharishi Valmiki's penance.
The programme will feature a Ramleela performance, recitation of the Valmiki Ramayana, a devotional music evening and bhajan performances by local artists. Valmiki Aarti will also be performed at the river ghat, with thousands of devotees expected to participate.
The government will provide local artists with a spiritual platform through Ramayana recitations and other programmes organised at temples. Artists for events at selected temples and sites in each district have been chosen by committees constituted under the chairmanship of the respective District Magistrates.
The Culture Department, Information and Public Relations Department, and District Tourism and Culture Councils will coordinate the celebrations. Nodal officers have been appointed in every district to oversee the arrangements. The Yogi government has also emphasised public participation alongside the involvement of local public representatives.
Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said that more than 600 temples across Uttar Pradesh hosted programmes during last year's celebrations. He added that large-scale events would be organised this year as well.
The Ramayana, composed by Maharishi Valmiki, remains an important work of Indian literature and culture. Several locations mentioned in the epic are associated with the Ram-Janki Marg and the Ram Van Gaman Marg. Around 280 such sites are located across the country, including several important places in Uttar Pradesh.
Singh said arrangements would be made for lighting lamps and conducting deepdaan at temples to highlight the religious and cultural significance of these locations. Continuous recitations of the Valmiki Ramayana lasting 8, 12 or 24 hours will also be organised.
Through events spanning all 75 districts, the state government aims to bring together religious observances, cultural performances and community participation while highlighting the enduring literary, spiritual and social significance of Maharishi Valmiki's Ramayana.
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