Hanuman Jayanti is being celebrated with great fervor and devotion throughout India and many other nations. Vibrant processions, cultural activities, and the sharing of prasad are what define the celebrations.
Hanuman Jayanti or Hanuman Janmotsav is a auspicious Hindu festival that is observed to mark the birthday of Lord Hanuman, one of the heroes of Ramayana renowned for his untiring devotion, bravery and vigor. The day is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Chaitra that usually coincides with March or April in the Gregorian calendar. This year, the festival will be observed on Tuesday, April 23. Lord Hanuman is worshiped as a symbol of selfless service, devotion and loyalty.
Significance of Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman Jayanti is observed by commemorating the divine virtues reflected in Lord Hanuman.
The day also serves as an occasion for spiritual contemplation and self-analysis, as his followers intend to adopt the virtues of Hanuman in their own lives. It is a reminder of the strength of devotion, humility, and selflessness to achieve spiritual development.
How Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated
In India and in most nations across the globe, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and piety. The celebrations are dominated by vibrant processions, cultural shows and the distribution of prasad.
It is a day when followers gather to celebrate the divine blessings of Hanuman and pray for his blessings for happiness, prosperity and spiritual success.
And they do so by keeping vigil on this day through prayers, fasting, recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa (a prayer in the praise of Hanuman) and temple visits to Lord Hanuman temples. Exclusive bhajans (devotional songs) and kirtans (musical recitations) are done to pay tribute to his qualities and invoke his benediction for courage, strength and protection.
Also referred to as Bajrangbali, Hanuman is one of the most sacred characters in Hindu mythology, celebrated for his unflinching devotion and unparalleled strength. Born to Anjana, an apsara born as a monkey because of a curse, and Kesari, who was the king of monkeys, Hanuman’s birth was decreed by the divine wind god Vayu.
Hanuman’s life was changed forever when he met Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. Hanuman was a devoted follower of Lord Rama and a key participant in his mission to save Sita, Rama’s wife, from the demon king Ravana.
With his unshakeable loyalty and unmatched bravery, Hanuman helped Lord Rama and his friends fight against the army of Ravana. He demonstrated his tremendous power by carrying a whole mountain on his own to fetch a life-giving herb for Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana, who had been severely injured in combat.
FAQs
Q1: What is Hanuman Jayanti?
A: Hanuman Jayanti is a Hindu festival to commemorate the birthday of Lord Hanuman, revered for his loyalty, strength, and devotion.
Q2: On what date in 2025 is Hanuman Jayanti celebrated?
A: Hanuman Jayanti will be celebrated this year on Tuesday, April 23, 2025.
Q3: Why is Hanuman Jayanti important?
A: It commemorates the good qualities of Lord Hanuman—devotion, courage, humility, and selflessness—and inspires spiritual development.
Q4: How is Hanuman Jayanti celebrated?
A: Followers keep fast, go to Hanuman temples, recite the Hanuman Chalisa, and participate in processions and bhakti sangeet sessions.
Q5: Who were Hanuman’s parents?
A: Hanuman was born to Anjana and Kesari, with Vayu’s divine intervention, the wind god, who granted his birth blessings.
