# UP declares public holiday on Valmiki Jayanti

2026-10-25T12:36:42+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Uttar Pradesh has declared a public holiday on Monday, 26 October 2026, on the occasion of Valmiki Jayanti. An order to this effect has been issued, and schools and government offices across the state will remain closed. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will visit Bithoor on the same day. He will participate in a Ramayana recitation and worship at the Valmiki Ashram, which is believed to be where the epic was composed and where Mata Sita found shelter. The CM will also dedicate development projects worth over Rs 411 crore to the people of Bilhaur and Bithoor assembly constituencies and honour beneficiaries of various schemes.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

The holiday order clears the way for a day of official observance that combines religious ceremony with a political outreach event. By linking the Valmiki Ashram site, traditionally tied to the Ramayana’s composition and to Sita’s refuge, the government underscores a cultural narrative while the Rs 411-crore project announcement delivers a development message to two assembly seats. The event effectively puts the chief minister’s stamp on a festival that carries significance for Dalit and OBC communities who revere Valmiki. The unanswered question is whether the closure extends to all state-run institutions or leaves out specific departments.

## Coverage

- amarujala.com <https://www.amarujala.com/lucknow/up-public-holiday-announced-in-the-state-for-valmiki-jayanti-schools-and-offices-to-remain-closed-on-monday-2026-10-25>
  Straight announcement with no critical framing

This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.

Tags: Bithoor, Uttar Pradesh, Valmiki Jayanti, Yogi Adityanath
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