Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti is an important Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman who is known for his devotion, strength, and courage. 

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on different dates across India: on Chaitra Purnima in most northern states, the 10th day of Shukla Paksha in Vaishakha month in Telugu-speaking states, the 13th day of Shukla Paksha in either Margashirsha or Vaishakha month in Karnataka, during the Dhanu month (Margazhi in Tamil) in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and on Pana Sankranti, marking the Odia New Year, in Odisha.

Hanuman is a central figure in the Ramayana, revered for his loyalty to Lord Rama. Devotees celebrate the festival to seek his blessings for strength and protection.

The Story of Hanuman

Hanuman is the son of Anjana and Kesari who were both blessed by the wind God, Vāyu with the birth of Hanuman.

Legend has it that Hanuman was born to Anjana after she performed penance to Shiva for years. 

In some versions of the myth, Vāyu is said to have been Hanuman's celestial father, gifting him with the extraordinary abilities that define his persona.

One well-known story from the Varaha Purana tells of Hanuman's attempt to grab the sun, mistaking it for a fruit.

The gods tried to stop him, but his incredible strength and determination were too much to contain.

After falling back to earth, he was blessed by the gods, and the place where he fell, Anjanadri Hill, is revered to this day.

Celebration of Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with great devotion across India with rituals varying by regions. 

Devotees flock to different Hanuman temples to offer prayers and seek his blessings for strength and protection. 

The Hanuman Chalisa and the Ramayana is an important aspect of the day and temples also distribute prasad.

One of the most popular traditions is applying tilak or vermilion inspired by a legend where Hanuman covered himself in sindoor for Lord Rama’s long life.

In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the festival falls in the Margali (Dhanu) month, with grand celebrations in major temples.

In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, it lasts for 41 days, starting from Chaitra Purnima and ending on the 10th day of Krishna Paksha in Vaishakha.

In Maharashtra, it is observed on Chaitra Purnima with spiritual discourses, temple rituals, and food offerings.

In Odisha, it coincides with Pana Sankranti, marking both Hanuman’s birth and the Odia New Year.

Read Ram Navami next.