Hanuman Jayanti

When it falls — and why the dates differ

In north India, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on Chaitra Purnima, the full moon of Chaitra, usually in late March or April, about a week after Ram Navami. Other regions keep their own dates:

• Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: on Vaishakha Krishna Dashami, about forty days later; many devotees keep a 41-day deeksha that begins on Chaitra Purnima and ends on this day.
• Tamil Nadu and Kerala: Hanumath Jayanthi falls on the new moon (Amavasya) of the Tamil month of Margazhi, in December–January, when the nakshatra is Moola.
• Karnataka: Hanuman Vratam is kept on Margashirsha Shukla Trayodashi.
• Some north Indian traditions, including Ayodhya's, also celebrate his birth on Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi, the day before Diwali.

Many devotees prefer the name Hanuman Janmotsav ("birth celebration") to Jayanti ("birth anniversary"), since Hanuman is a chiranjeevi, believed to be still living on earth.

The birth of Hanuman

Hanuman was born to Anjana, an apsara living on earth under a curse, and Kesari, a vanara chief. Vayu, the wind god, is his divine father, which is why he is called Pavanputra, Maruti and Anjaneya. The Ramayana's Kishkindha Kanda tells how, as an infant, he leapt at the rising sun thinking it a ripe fruit; Indra's thunderbolt struck his jaw (hanu), giving him his name, and the gods then blessed him with strength, wisdom and immortality. Places from Anjaneri near Nashik to Anjanadri near Hampi and Tirumala are honoured as his birthplace.

How it is observed

1. Early start: Hanuman is believed to have been born at sunrise, so temples open before dawn and the main puja and aarti are held early in the morning.
2. Sindoor and chola: the image is anointed with sindoor mixed with jasmine oil (chameli ka tel) — the chola — and a red cloth and garland of flowers are offered. The custom recalls the story that Hanuman covered himself in sindoor on learning that Sita wore it for Rama's long life.
3. Offerings: besan or boondi laddoo, jaggery and roasted gram, bananas, and betel leaves.
4. Recitation: the Hanuman Chalisa — many recite it 11, 21 or 108 times — the Sundarkand of the Ramcharitmanas, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtak and the Bajrang Baan.
5. Aarti: Aarti Kije Hanuman Lala Ki. Follow the Hanuman puja vidhi for the full order.

Many devotees fast for the day and observe celibacy and simple food, in keeping with Hanuman's character as a lifelong brahmachari. Processions with Hanuman's image and saffron flags, and wrestling matches at akharas, are part of the day in many towns.

Why Hanuman is so widely worshipped

Hanuman is loved as the perfect devotee of Rama, the remover of troubles (Sankat Mochan) and the protector against fear, illness and evil influences. He is also worshipped to ease the effects of Shani, after the story that he freed Shani Dev from Ravana's captivity. Tuesdays and Saturdays are his days through the year; see the Mangalvar vrat and Tuesday Hanuman bhakti.

Frequently asked questions

When is Hanuman Jayanti celebrated?

On Chaitra Purnima in north India. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana celebrate on Vaishakha Krishna Dashami, Tamil Nadu on Margazhi Amavasya, and Karnataka on Margashirsha Shukla Trayodashi.

Why is it called Hanuman Janmotsav?

Because Hanuman is a chiranjeevi, believed to be still alive. "Jayanti" usually marks the birth anniversary of someone who has passed on, so many prefer "Janmotsav".

Who were Hanuman's parents?

Anjana and Kesari; Vayu, the wind god, is his divine father.

Why is sindoor offered to Hanuman?

The story goes that he saw Sita apply sindoor for Rama's long life and covered his whole body in it out of devotion to Rama. Sindoor with jasmine oil is his traditional offering.

How many times should the Hanuman Chalisa be read on Hanuman Jayanti?

Any number with devotion; 7, 11, 21 or 108 recitations are common vows.

Can women worship Hanuman on Hanuman Jayanti?

Yes, women worship Hanuman and read the Chalisa. Some traditions ask women not to touch the image or offer the chola themselves; follow your temple's custom.