Hanuman Jayanthi Festival

 

HANUMAN JAYANTHI: A Day To Seek Physical Strength

Places of Merriment: All across India, especially, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh

If you happen to grow up in a joint family, chances are your grandparents would narrate stories from the Ramayana. They will not fail to cover the story of Hanuman?a monkey God?who lived in Lanka with other apes. A fond companion of Lord Rama, he dutifully performed all his duties against all odds to bring back Sita, after wicked Ravana?the demon king of Lanka abducted her.

History of Hanuman Jayanthi?

One of the popular idols in Hindu mythology, Hanuman symbolizes the spirit of physical strength, perseverance and devotion. While on a courageous mission to find Sita, Hanuman inspired the world with his trait to face ordeals and conquer in the way of the world.

Hanuman is the avatar of Lord Shiva. He is the son of Wind God?Kesari and Anjana Devi. He is the living embodiment of Ram. He is true Karma who worked dynamically. He did what others could not do while serving Rama. He plunge with daring acts like crossing the ocean simply by uttering Ram-Nam, burning the city of Lanka, and bringing the sanjeevini herb and restoring Lakshmana to life again.

When is Hanuman Janathi is Celebrated?

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated in Hanuman temples all over India. It is the birthday of Hanuman, which falls during the month of Chaitra. It falls on the full moon day in March or April. Prayers are offered at sunrise time. Hanuman is worshipped either individually or worshipped with Lord Rama by his side.

How is Hanuman Jayanthi Celebrated?

The preparations for commemorating the birth of Hanuman begin much before dawn. On this day, the priest bathes the idols and offers special prayers. They then smear his body 'sindoor' and oil. According to mythologists, it is believed that Sita applied this sindoor' on Hanuman's body to ensure the longevity of her husband?Ram.

At the illuminated Hanuman temples, there are long queues, where devotees offer sweets and bananas. They recite recitations from 'Hanuman Chalisa'?a set of prayers glorifying Hanuman, describing his past times in groups. In some zoos in India, they venerate monkeys as a form of Hanuman.

Men fast from dawn to dusk, praying for courage and strength. There are special entertainment programmes called 'nautnaki', where interesting dramas are enacted based on the heroic deeds performed by Hanuman. In some Indian cities, colorful processions fill the streets. People dance, carry idols of Lord Hanuman and some people wear masks and tails to imitate the monkey God.

A Day To Show Off Muscles

Hanuman Jayanti is significant for wrestlers and bodybuilders. On this day, these bulky body builders fast from morning. They break their fast only at night. Bodybuilding and wrestling competitions are popular in Indian villages. They assemble at the wrestling field after paying obeisance to Lord Hanuman. They begin their fight after both the wrestlers shouts 'Jai Hanuman'. Attractive cash prizes are awarded.