Valmiki Jayanti is being celebrated today with great enthusiasm throughout the country. Prayers are being offered to Maharshi Valmiki who is believed to have authored the epic Ramayana. Shobha yatras are being taken out on the occasion and meetings conducted and free food being distributed. Valmiki temples in the country have been beautifully decorated. Devotees also recite verses from Ramayana in memory of Maharshi Valmiki at the temples.