Hanuman Jayanti

Religious festival, Birth Anniversary

Regional Holiday (not a pan-India public holiday)

One day

Celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, the Vanara (monkey) God, who is a symbol of strength, devotion, courage, wisdom, and selfless service. Devotees seek his blessings for protection from evil, strength, and success.

Key Rituals & Practices

Fasting (partial or full)

Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa

Chanting the Sunderkand (from Ramcharitmanas)

Visiting Hanuman temples

Offering prayers, flowers, fruits, and sweets (especially boondi or ladoos)

Applying vermillion (Sindoor) to Hanuman idols (often mixed with oil), as Hanuman applied Sindoor to himself for Lord Rama's longevity

Performing Aarti

Distributing prasad and charity

Organizing special pujas and spiritual discourses

Associated Deities

Lord Hanuman

Lord Rama (due to Hanuman's immense devotion)

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

Chaitra (most commonly, especially in North India)

Paksha

Shukla Paksha

Tithi

Purnima (Full Moon)

Regional Relevance & Variations

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Historical & Mythological Context

Lord Hanuman is the son of Anjana (an Apsara) and Kesari (a Vanara king), and is also considered the spiritual son of Vayu Dev (the Wind God), who carried Lord Shiva's energy into Anjana's womb. He is one of the central figures in the Hindu epic Ramayana, known for his extraordinary strength, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. His birth is celebrated as an event that brought forth a divine being destined to play a crucial role in the victory of good over evil.

Alternative Names

Hanuman Janmotsav

Hanuman Mahotsav

Gregorian Date

Varies (typically April or May)