Hanumath Jayanti Festival

                                                 Hanumath Jayanti Festival


Hanumath Jayanti  is celebrate the birthday of Lord Hanuman on the 15th day of Shukla Paksha, during Chaitra month also known as (the Chaitra Purnima). Lord Hanuman also known as the Vanara god's birthday is widely known as Hanuman Jayanti or Hanumath Jayanti.
 Shri Hanuman is regarded as the God of power, strength and knowledge. He is known as the ‘param bhakt’ of lord Rama and is the incarnation of Lord Shiva. He was born to Kesari and Anjani on the Chaitra Shukla Purnima (Chaitra Shukla Purnima is the Full Moon Day on the Hindu Calendar Month of Chaitra) that is why, he is known as ‘KESERI NANDAN’ and ‘ANJANEYA’.

In India, there are hundreds and thousands of temples dedicated to Hanuman. In all the Vaishnava temples, there is at least a shrine dedicated to him. Devotees worship and pray to him to remove the obstacles in the path of their devotional service. In our temple there is a small shrine for the Deity of Hanuman near the entrance of Prahlada Narasimha Temple.
In various parts of the country, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on different days. In some places (especially in Maharashtra) it is observed on Chaitra Purnima. In Tamilnadu and Kerala, it is celebrated in the month of Margazhi (December – January). As per the Odiya calendar it is celebrated on the first day of Vaishaka month. In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh it is celebrated on Vaishaka Krishna Dashami, the 10th day of the waning moon in the month of Vaishaka. In our temple, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated as per the local tradition on Vaishaka (May) Krishna Paksha Dashami (May 21, 2017).
The celebration starts in the morning with a special abhisheka for the Deity of Hanuman. After the abhisheka, Hanuman is adorned in a special alankara with butter and dry fruits. A garland made of vada (a doughnut shaped south-Indian snack made of urad dhal) is also offered.


How to Celebrate Hanuman Jayanti Festival:-
 

Celebrations on Hanuman Jayanti began early in the day with special puja being performed by devotees. Devotees perform holy Puja in temples dedicated to Sree Hanuman or at Home. People in India organize special prayers for Lord Hanuman to get rid of evil spirits. The God is known for its magical powers. Prayers and Hymns are sung all day long in various Hanuman temples dedicated to the lord. Hanuman is considered as a symbol of Power and great strength in Hindu mythology. He is believed to have carried a whole mountain in his shoulder. On auspicious day of Hanuman Jayanti, People apply red Sindur from Lord's feet on their foreheads. This is considering being a ritual for good health and good luck.
Some of the important puja rituals include offering red vermillion with ghee to the idol of Hanuman. Red flowers, rui leaves with areca nut, fruits especially bananas, ladoos are offered and diyas are lit. Devotees recite the Hanuman Chalisa and Bajrang Baan and perform ‘arti’. It is believed that Hanuman was born at sunrise, so recitations and poring over religious texts is done at dawn and later ‘prasad’ distribution ceremony is held.
In Western India, the practice of fasting a day before the Hanuman Jayanti is prevalent, whereas in Northern India, the general practice is to observe fasting on the day Hanuman Jayanti is held. Also, it is far more popular among males, especially wrestlers and bodybuilders. It is believed that chanting the Hanuman Chalisa hundred times for hundred days can help one attain the four tenets of Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha.
Hanuman Jayanti is an occasion to remember Lord Hanuman's unbridled devotion to Lord Rama and his feats of daring. In their quest to fight against Ravana, Lord Hanuman led a monkey army and built a bridge to Lanka. He also carried a whole mountain of magic herbs on his shoulders to restore the life of Lakshman. Thus, the ubiquitous standing statue of Lord Hanuman with his heart stretched out open is at once a metaphoric as well as literal illustration of his infinite devotion to Lord Ram, his wife Sita and brother Lakshman.
In the epic tale of Ramayana, the extraordinary role of Lord Hanuman, an exemplary devotee of Lord Rama, is very well detailed out in situations requiring strength, will-power and courage. Lord Hanuman's character is lyrically elaborated in Tulsidas's 'Hanuman Chalisa'. Also invoked as 'Sankat Mochan', Lord Hanuman can avert any ill-effects posed by the nine planets to one's life as well as save one from the influence of evil spirits. In India, Tuesdays and Saturdays are dedicated to the worship of Lord Hanuman to get his blessings for progress, wisdom and fearlessness.
Incidents in Shri Hanuman’s life and their significance
 To provide assistance for the establishment of the Divine Kingdom: The main objective of Shri Hanuman’s life was to destroy obstacles in the establishment of the Divine Kingdom by providing the required warrior element. As a result, the embodied souls who would assist in the establishment of the Divine Kingdom were protected.
 For this reason itself Shri Maruti manifests Himself in various forms during different Yugas. His task in the manifest-unmanifest form never ceases. Shri Maruti has humility in serving (i.e. Dasyabhav) to the extent of 100%. Thus He is constantly active.
 Assisting embodied souls in performing spiritual practice: Shri Maruti has always helped embodied souls do spiritual practice in various Yugas. In the Tretayuga Shri Maruti taught the right path of spiritual practice to the monkeys and helped them.
 Liberating many souls: The embodied souls with an intense desire for spiritual practice were granted liberation by Shri Maruti even at the cost of His own powers. He liberated many souls from existence in their cursed class by using His mace.
 An example of a perfect Sevak: Shri Maruti presented an example of a perfect sevak. As a result, many embodied souls attained Final Liberation by following the same path i.e. Dasyatva. Due to His humility only He was able to narrate the good qualities of Shri Rama to Ravan and when Ravan denigrated Shri Rama, Maruti burnt Lanka and returned safely.

Ritualistic worship:-

1. Ritualistic worship of Shri Hanuman (Maruti) There is a specific science to the ritualistic worship of each Deity. This means that, actions done in a particular way during the ritualistic worship, have a specific underlying science. Just by following these actions, we can get maximum benefit of that Deity’s Principle. The following questions and answers contains the divine knowledge received by the seekers regarding exactly how some routine actions should be performed during the ritualistic worship of Shri Hanuman (Maruti).


Knowledge received about the ritual

1. Applying sindoor
How should a worshipper apply sindoor before starting the ritualistic worship of Maruti?

Sindoor should be applied with the ring finger.

2. Offering flowers
Which flowers should be offered?
 In what number?                         
 What is the method of offering the flowers?

Flowers and leaves of calotropis (ruee)
 Five or multiples of five
 The stems of flowers should be turned towards the Deity

3. Waving incense sticks
Incense sticks of which fragrances should be used?
 How many incense sticks should be used?
 What is the method of waving?

Kewda, Chameli (Jasmine) and Ambar
 Two
 Holding them between the index finger and thumb of the right hand, the incense sticks should be waved thrice, in a clockwise direction, in a full circle.

4. Circumambulation
How many circumambulations should be performed around Maruti?

Minimum five but if a worshipper wants to perform more, then they should be in multiples of five.

 Saade-saati of Saturn (Shani) and the ritualistic worship of Shri Hanuman
While enduring a Saade-saati of Saturn, Shri Hanuman is worshiped to reduce the distress caused by Saturn. The ritual is as follows:
Oil is taken in a bowl and 14 black urad grains are put in it. Thereafter one sees the reflection of his face in the oil. The oil is then offered to Shri Hanuman. The method of worship remains the same even when a person is sick and cannot visit a temple. The reflection of negative energy also takes place along with the reflection of ones face. When such oil is offered to Shri Hanuman, the negative energy therein gets destroyed. A true oil-merchant does not sell oil on Saturday because the negative energy causing distress to a person, who is going to offer the oil to Shri Hanuman, is likely to attack the oil merchant. Therefore one should not buy oil from the vendors sitting outside the Shri Hanuman temple but should bring it from his own house instead.

Use of Brahmatej and Kshatratej as required:-

The sacred thread (Janeu) on Hanuman’s left shoulder is a sign of Brahmatej. Since Shri Hanuman is an incarnation of Shri Shiva He has destructive powers too. Yet, because of His devotion to Shri Rama, Vishnu-tatva developed in Him. Since Shri Hanuman adorns Brahmatej and Kshatratej during wars, He can use both as required. During the war between the Kauravas and Pandavas, Shri Krishna seated Shri Hanuman on Arjun’s chariot (He can be seen on the flag at the top of Arjun’s chariot). Hanuman destroyed the weapons, directed at Arjun and his chariot, in mid-air itself.

Install the warrior posture idol of Shri Hanuman:-

To get the benefit of the gross, manifest and destroyer element, we should avoid installing an idol of Shri Hanuman in the seated posture. Amongst the seven higher Deities (Shiva, Ganapati, Rama, Krishna, Datta, Maruti and Durga), Shri Hanuman’s element (tatva) is of a gross, manifest and destroyer nature. The word ‘Hanuman’ means – ‘One whose ‘roar’ cannot be fathomed even by the Gods’. When Gods perform a destructive activity, they use the ‘Maruti’ element (which moves at the speed of wind) as a medium to appear in the Universe. Hence He is referred to as Shri Hanuman. The roar of Shri Hanuman is capable of activating the element of any higher Deity in the Universe who is engrossed in deep meditation. Similarly, it also possesses the power to shake all the fourteen planes (Saptalok and Saptapatal).
Shri Hanuman in seated posture depicts the unmanifest form of power. Shri Hanuman in a warrior posture depicts the manifest form of power. To obtain the benefit of the gross, manifest and destroyer element, we should avoid installing a seated idol of Shri Hanuman in a temple. Shri Hanuman in a seated position implies He is in deep meditation, wherein His motor organs are in a dormant, inactive state. Thus, the common man will be able to derive very little benefit from this posture of Shri Hanuman. When the spiritual level of an embodied soul is above 60%, it is capable of activating the element present in an idol in meditation, through his devotion.
Blasphemous paintings of Shri Hanuman by MF Hussain !
The modern Ghazhani MF Hussain has painted Shri Hanuman in very blasphemous form along with Sree Sita and Shri Ram. Following are some paintings by Hussain. Shri Hanuman is a symbol of devotion and Divine power. Hindus worshipping Shri Hanuman should take note of his strength and wake up to destroy these despicable modern forms of Rawan, then it will be the true worship of Hanumanji.

Become a Rambhakta and save Hindu Dharma :-

Hindu Dharma is now in great danger due to growing attacks on it from anti-Hindus, socialists, Muslims and Christians. Hindu Dharma is now in search of warriors to protect it from these attacks and to take it very high. You can do it in various easy ways. Because ‘changes do not occur by big miracles, but due to acts well within the common man’s reach’

Pre-birth Story of Hanumath :-

 Once Angira rishi visited Indra in Swarg. Indra welcomed him by arranging a dance by a damsel named Punjiksthala. As soon as she commenced dancing, the rishi closed his eyes to meditate on Paramatma. When the dance ended, the rishi remained silent. Indra then asked him, "O rishi! How was the dance?"
"We were absorbed in meditation of the Almighty. Such dance does not interest us." Indra felt ashamed. However, the ego-filled damsel sneered, "How can such a (fickle) rishi appreciate dancing in Swarg?" Hearing this, Angira cursed her, "Behold! You shall degrade to earth from Swarg. You will be born as a female monkey in the mountain forests."
The whole of Swarg plunged into consternation. The damsel greatly regretted and repented. She repeatedly begged for forgiveness. Finally, the merciful rishi solaced her, "A great devotee of Paramatma will be born to you. He will forever serve Paramatma."

This damsel was the daughter of Kunjar, the king of the monkeys. She married Kapiraj Kesari of Mount Sumeru.
Therefore, Hanumanji manifested as a result of five divine factors:
1. Angira rishi's curse and subsequent blessings
2. Anjani's prayers
3. Shri Mahadevji's (Shiva's) blessings
4. Attainment of Shiva's divine shakti by Vayu deva and
5. The fruit of a Putreshti Yagna
The Shiva Puran cites that since Shiva could not serve Shri Ram in his present form, he inspired the birth of one Rudra from his 11 Rudras, as a monkey, Hanumanji.
Once when Hanumanji was young Surya deva (Sun deity) imbued him with knowledge of countless weapons and mantras. However, his hyperactive nature induced him to think of swallowing the `red, ripened fruit' - the Sun! Before he succeeded, Indra hit him with his Vajra and persuaded him not to. On being hit by the Vajra, his beard - hanu-, became slanted. Therefore he also became known as Hanuman. The "ji" suffix after any name accords respect. Indra then blessed him that he will eternally remain undefeated, victorious. Hanumanji also obtained boons from Varuna deva (water deity) and Yama - deity of death, victory and immortality. From Brahma he obtained the power of inducing fear in enemies, of destroying fear in friends, to be able to change his form at will and to be able to easily travel wherever he wished. From Mahadevji he obtained the boons of longevity, scriptural wisdom and ability to cross the ocean (Padma Puran, Patal Khand, 114, Uttar Khand, 66, Narad Puran, 1.79).
Now Hanumanji attained a supremely formidable form. However as such, he began harassing rishis. Therefore Bhrugu rishi and Angira admonished him that he would forget the ability to use his formidable power and only a divine personality will later guide him to use it appropriately.
Henceforth Hanumanji lived an ordinary simian life in Kishkindha, on Mount Hrushyamuk as Sugriva's advisor. Only when Shri Ramachandra and Lakshman arrived in search of Sita, did the two first meet. (Valmiki Ramayana Kishkindha 1-4). Thus his life turned a new course. Ramchandraji asked him who he was. Gleaning his identity, Hanumanji humbly replied, "O Prabhu! From the body's point of view, I am your das (servant) and From the jiva's view, I am your bhakta."
Pleased with his wise reply, Shri Ram accepted his seva. Hanumanji and Sugriva then gathered and sent a mighty army of monkeys to aid Shri Ram in search of Sita. (V.R.Kishkindha 40-41).
When Hanumanji struck southwards towards Lanka, Ramchandraji gave him his ring. In case he met Sitaji, he would need to show it to prove that he was Shri Ram's envoy. Accompanied by Jambuvan, they all arrived on India's southern shore. Jambuvan graced Hanumanji. This resulted in him recalling his phenomenal power. Uttering "Jai Shri Ram!" Marutsut leaped high across the ocean towards Lanka!

Here, at night, assuming a subtle form, he entered Lanka. He combed through Ravan's palace, yet failed to locate Sitaji.
However during his search his phenomenal level of brahmacharya manifested.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan singularly highlights this in Vachanamrut Jetalpur 2. He avers that while searching for Jankiji (Sitaji), Hanumanji looked at every demoness in Ravan's palace, including Mandodari, Ravan's wife. After leaving, he wondered whether glancing at so many women would affect him (his brahmacharya) adversely? He then realized that he had done this to look for Jankiji by Ramchandraji's command. Additionally, his senses and consciousness by Ramchandraji's grace had not faltered. He then continued his search. In the midst of such allurements, one who remains unallured like Hanumanji, remarked Bhagwan Swaminarayan, is known as a yati.
Throughout the Ramayan one observes that whenever a vexing problem arose warranting diplomacy, Valmiki lauds Hanumanji as a confluence of such virtues as: integrity, valor, intelligence, strength, patience and wisdom. Hanumanji resolved such problems with finesse and devotion. When he finally located Sitaji, to first soothe and gain her trust, since more than likely she'd be frightened and would take him as one of Ravan's mayic form, he began to recite the glory of King Raghu's lineage while hidden among the trees. He then further recited Ramchandraji's glory. Sitaji's misery, loneliness and distress vanished. Charged with joy, she then requested the deity who sang the glory to present himself!

When Ravan's son Indrajit used his miraculous weapons, rendering Shri Ram and Lakshman unconscious, Hanumanji's supreme devotion as the ideal devotee manifested. Advised by the Ayurvedic physician Sushena, to fetch the four types of herbs on mount Dronachal to revive the two, Hanumanji flew there. Not recognizing the herbs, he returned with the whole mountain! This miraculous power arose from his unalloyed devotion to Shri Ram and his brahmacharya.
During Shri Ram's coronation, Sitaji gifted her invaluable pearl necklace to Hanumanji in jubilation. Being a detached and loyal devotee, he cracked a few pearls with his teeth. Not discovering his master inside, he discarded the necklace!
In a packed assembly, when somebody questioned him whether he really had Sita and Ram in his self, he literally tore open his chest to reveal both, in his heart! Seeing such zealous devotion, Ramchandraji embraced him and granted a boon. "Wherever my katha is being recited, you shall always be there... I shall never ever be estranged from you!"
Shri Ramchandraji further added, "O Hanuman! You have helped me countless times. Even if I give my life for you repeatedly, I cannot repay your debt. What then can I give you?" After pausing a few moments he added, "I give you what I possess; I gift you my love and grace!" He then embraced Hanumanji! Such occasions are a true devotee's supreme moments of fulfillment.
Another virtue of Hanumanji that Valmiki lauds is Buddhimataam Varishtham - the supreme among the wise. One well known episode reflects his wisdom. Once Mahadevji visited Shri Ram's court in Ayodhya. Ramchandraji welcomed him by offering a grand seat. He then requested Hanumanji to fetch milk. On fetching the milk, Hanumanji experienced a slight dilemma. Being a pativrata devotee (supremely loyal) of Shri Ram, how could he offer the milk to Mahadevji? Instantly he handed the bowl to his Master. Therefore Ramchandraji pointed out, 'O Hanuman. The guest is Mahadevji. Why do you offer me the milk?'
 Instantly Hanumanji replied, "Prabhu! Mahadevji is such a lofty guest that it would not be fitting for a lowly servant as me to offer him anything. It would only be appropriate for you to offer him the milk!"
 Bhagwan Swaminarayan lauds his glory as: one who has Pativrata - unalloyed bhakti towards Shri Ram (Gadhada III.16), being ideal in dasatva bhakti (Gadhada II.62) and as supreme yati (Jetalpur 2). Muktanand Swami accords him the titles jitendriya - one who has mastered his indriyas and naishthikendra - one who is a naishthik brahmachari. In the Hindu Dharma, he is rightfully venerated as a deva who is an ideal devotee of Ramchandra Bhagwan. The appellation "monkey god" by non-Hindu writers is a flagrant misnomer, depicting their ignorance. This too applies to Shri Ganeshji, who is also a deva and not an elephant god.
In the Vachanamrut then, Bhagwan Swaminarayan exhorts every devotee to imbibe Hanumanji's three foremost virtues of the ideal bhakta; pativrata bhakti, Dasatva bhakti and Naishthik brahmacharya.
In the Shikshapatri, Bhagwan Swaminarayan advocates Hanuman pujan on Aso vad 14 (Kali Chaudash) and enjoins those afflicted by evil spirits to chant the Hanuman Stotram (Shik. 127, 85).
In all the mandirs of the Swaminarayan Sampraday Hanumanji and Ganeshji are consecrated in their own special shrines in the front of the mandir. He is offered special pujan on Saturdays with oil and white ankada flowers( Calotropis gigantea - Swallow wart )

Hanuman Mantram:-

Manojavam Maruttulyavegm
Jitendrium Buddhimatam Varishtham
Vatatmajam Vanarayuthmukhyam
Shri Ramdutam Sharanam Prapdye.

Hanuman Aarti:-

Aarti Kije Hanuman Lala ki, Dustdalan Raghunath kala ki
Jake bal se giriwar kanpe, Rog dosh jake nikat na jhanke
Anjani putra maha bal dayee, Santan ke prabhu sada sahayi
De beera Raghunath pathaye, Lanka jaari seeya soodhi laye
Lanka so koti Samudra Si khaayi, Jat pawansut bar na layee
Lanka Jaari asur sanghare, Seeya Ramjee ke kaaj saware
Lakshman murchhit pare Sakare laye Sajeewan pran ubaare
Paithi patal tori jam kare, Ahiravana ki bhuja ukhare
Baaye bhuja asur dal mare, Dahine bhuja sant jan tare
Sur nar muni jan aarti utare, Jai jai jai Hanuman uchare
Kanchan thal Kapoor lou chhayi, Aarti karat Anjana mayi
Jo Hanuman ji ki Aarti gawe, Basi Bakuntha parampad pawe.

Doha:-

Shri Guru charan saroj raj, nij man mukur sudhari
Varnau Raghubar vimal jasu, jo dayak phal chari
Buddhihin tanu janike, sumiro Pavankumar
Bal buddhi vidya dehu mohi, harahu kalesh vikar.

Jay Hanuman gyan gun sagar, jay Kapis tihun lok ujagar.
Ramdut atulit bal dhama, Anjani putra Pavansut nama.

Pavantanay sankat haran, Mangal murati rup
Ram Lakhan Sita sahit, hriday basahu sur bhup.

Hanuman Chalisa:-

Mahavir vikram Bajrangi, kumati nivar sumati ke sangi
Kanchan baran viraj suvesha, kanan kundal kunchit kesa
Hath vajra aur dhvaja biraje, kandhe munj janeu saje
Shankar suvan Kesrinandan, tej pratap maha jagvandan
Vidyavan guni ati chatur, Ram kaj karibe ko atur
Prabhu charitra sunibe ko rasiya, Ram Lakhan Sita man basiya
Sukshma rup dhari siyahi dikhava, vikat rup dhari Lanka jarava
Bhim rup dhari asur sanhare, Ramchandra ke kaj sanvare
Laye sanjivan Lakhan jiyaye, Shri Raghubir harashi ur laye
Raghupati kinhi bahut barai, tum mam priya Bharathi sam bhai
Sahas badan tumharo yash gave, asi kahi Shripati kanth lagave
Sanakadik Brahmadi Munisha, Narad Sarad sahit ahisha
Yam Kuber Digpal jahan te, Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te
Tum upkar Sugrivahin kinha, Ram milai Rajpad dinha
Tumharo mantra Vibhishan mana, Lankeshvar bhaye sabh jag jana
Jug sahasra yojan par bhanu, lilyo tahi madhur phal janu
Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahi, jaladhi langhi gaye achraj nahin
Durgam kaj jagat ke jete, sugam anugraha tumhare tete
Ram duare tum rakhvare, hot na agya binu paisare
Sab sukh lahai tumhari sarna, tum rakshak kahu ko darna
Aapan tej samharo apai, tino lok hank te kanpe
Bhut pisach nikat nahin ave, Mahabir jab nam sunave
Nase rog hare sab pira, japat nirantar Hanumat bira
Sankat te Hanuman chhudave, man kram bachan dhyan jo lave
Sab par Ram tapasvi raja, tinke kaj sakal tum saja
Aur manorath jo koi lave, soi amit jivan phal pave
Charo jug partap tumhara, hai parsidh jagat ujiyara
Sadhu sant ke tum rakhvare, asur nikandan Ram dulare
Asht siddhi navanidhi ke data, us var din janki mata
Ram rasayan tumhare pasa, sada raho Raghupati ke dasa
Tumhare bhajan Ram ko bhave, janam janam ke dukh bisarave
Antakal Raghuvar pur jai, jahan janma Hari bhakta kahai
Aur devta chit na dharai, Hanumat sei sarva sukh karai
Sankat kate mite sab pira, jo sumre Hanumat balbira
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman gusain, kripa karahu gurudev ke nai
Jo shat bar path kar soi, chhotahin bandi maha sukh hoi
Jo yah padhe Hanuman chalisa, hoi siddhi sakhi gaurisa
Tulsidas sada Hari chera, kije nath hriday mahan dera.


Other benefits of Hanuman Chalisa and Bajran Baan path are:-

- It helps in reducing the effects of Sade Sati
- You can get rid of daunting thoughts by placing Hanuman Chalisa under your pillow.
- It helps in getting rid of the bad deeds which a person has done in this birth or even the previous birth
- It helps you in overcoming all the troubles and hurdles in your life
- It removes all the negativity from your mind and soul
- It bring happiness and peace in the family members
- You can overcome Mangal Dosh with Lord Hanuman’s blessings
- Lord Hanuman being the savoir will help your get relief from any kind of physical illness.
- You can overcome any Black Magic or Tona totka with this puja


With Astrospeak, show you true dedication to Lord Hanuman and get a Hanuman chalisa and Bajrang Baan puja done by us on your behalf. This is going to take place on December 28, 2016.


Learned pandits will perform this puja and will adhere to all the Vedic rituals and rules. We will also send you a link through which you can attend this puja virtually. On the completion of the puja, Prasad will be couriered to you on the address provided.


Prasad will include:-

- An energized reel of “Kalava” or a holy string
- Orange vermilion (Sindoor) offered to Lord Hanuman
- Prasad offered to Lord Hanuman will also be sent
- An energized idol of Lord Hanuman.

How To Observe Hanuman Jayanti Fast:-

 Hanuman Jayanti Vrat, also known as Hanuman Jayanti Upvaas, is observed on the Chaitra Purnima day, that is, a full moon day in the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar. While in Maharashtra and other western parts of India, Hanuman Jayanti Vrat is observed on the day prior to Hanuman Jayanti, people in North India fast on the actual Hanuman Jayanti day. Unlike most Hindu fasts and vrats that are practiced by women, Hanuman Jayanti Vrat is observed mostly by men, particularly the wrestlers and body builders. Preparations for the festival and fast begin early in the morning. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and idols, body or pictures of Lord Hanuman are purified. These are then smeared with Sindoor and a lamp is lit next.

 Prayers are chanted and sweets and bananas are offered. Devotees recite the Hanuman Chalisa. Depending upon the caliber of a devotee, the Chalisa is repeated several times. The recitation of Hanuman Arati, or Aarti Bajrangbali Ki, marks the end of the prayers. People who opt for observing vrat or upvaas on Hanuman Jayanti keep it from sunrise to sunset. However, people who observe a partial fast consume fruits and milk, with some exceptions of eating Sabudana Kihichdi. The fast is broken by offering puja in the evening or visiting a Hanuman Temple in the neighborhood. However, there are devotees who end their fast only on the next day in the morning.