Hanuman Jayanti 2027

What is Hanuman Jayanti?

Hanuman Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, the devoted servant of Lord Rama and a symbol of strength, courage and selfless devotion. In North India it is celebrated on the full moon (Purnima) of the month of Chaitra, usually in April, a few days after Ram Navami. Other regions celebrate on different days: in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Hanumath Jayanthi falls in the month of Margazhi (December–January); in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, devotees keep a 41-day observance ending in Vaishakha; and in Karnataka it is observed in the month of Margashirsha.

Why is Hanuman Jayanti celebrated?

Hanuman, the son of Anjana and Kesari and blessed by Vayu, the wind god, is famed for leaping across the ocean to Lanka to find Sita, for carrying the mountain of healing herbs to save Lakshmana, and for his unwavering devotion to Rama. Devotees pray to him for courage, protection from fear and negative influences, good health and success in difficult tasks. He is also believed to be chiranjeevi — immortal — and present wherever the Ramayana is recited.

How is Hanuman Jayanti celebrated?

• Early-morning worship: Hanuman is believed to have been born at sunrise, so temples open before dawn for special pujas.
• Sindoor and oil: devotees offer sindoor (vermilion) mixed with oil, red flowers, and garlands of betel leaves or vadas.
• Hanuman Chalisa: many recite the Hanuman Chalisa 11 or 108 times, or read the Sundarkand from the Ramcharitmanas.
• Prasad: boondi ladoos, gram and jaggery, and fruit are offered and shared.
• Processions and bhandaras: Shobha Yatras with Hanuman's image, and community meals, are held in many towns.

Famous Hanuman temples

Large crowds gather at the Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya, Sankat Mochan in Varanasi, Salasar Balaji in Rajasthan, the Hanuman temple at Connaught Place in Delhi, and Anjanadri hill near Hampi, believed to be Hanuman's birthplace. Abroad, temples such as the Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple in Frisco, Texas, and the Dattatreya temple with its giant Hanuman statue in Carapichaima, Trinidad, hold special celebrations.

How to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti at home

Bathe early and light a lamp before an image of Hanuman, ideally with Rama and Sita. Offer red flowers, sindoor, gram and jaggery or boondi; recite the Hanuman Chalisa and perform aarti. Many keep a fast until the evening. Tuesdays and Saturdays are also traditionally dedicated to Hanuman throughout the year.