The other name of Valmiki was Ratnakara, in his early life he used to rob people who used pass by. Once Ratnakara was in the way of robbing people he encountered Narada Rishi and tried to attack him, but Narada convinced him to chant the word 'Maara'(died) recursively which automatically converted to 'Rama' the Lord's name. He sat in Samadhi for year and prayed Lord Rama, during his Sadhana(prayer time) he got covered by anthill after watching that Narada Rishi came and uncovered the sage with anthill. Then he was told that his sacrifice and prayers has been answered by the God. Then he was rewarded by the name of Valmiki which symbolises anthill. Lord Brahma narrated the story of Lord Rama, Valmiki learned the story and depicted into his beautiful poems. Valmiki was eye-witness to the reality of Lord Rama when Rama, Sita and Lakshman was going through the exile of 14 years, Valmiki used to have hermitage in that same forest and he even happen to meet Rama. In Tulsidas's Ramacharitmanas the meeting of is described in poetic manner. Latter in the story Valmiki gave shelter to Sita and her two sons Luv and Kush and he was his spriritual master in the childhood. The presence of Valmiki in Ramayana proves the originality of this epic story.
This festival is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. It is a auspicious day and no this day, Shobha Yatras are taken out in mark of Valmiki, arrangements for free food and Prasad distribution are made in temples across India. On this day Temples are well adorned with flowers, especially temples dedicated to Valmiki and Rama with colorful flowers, leaves, diyas and incense sticks. Pundits chant prayers in order to give tribute to the holy sage. Ramayana is read in many temples of Rama in order to remember the remarkable contribution of Maharishi Valmiki to Hindu culture and tradition. This festival is mainly celebrated in Rajasthan with great fun and enthusiasm. Maharishi Valmiki will always remembered for his contribution to the Hindu religion.