Hanuman Jayanti is an important Hindu festival that is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Hanuman, the revered monkey-god in the Hindu religion. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Chaitra, which typically falls in March or April according to the Gregorian calendar.
Lord Hanuman is a symbol of strength, devotion, and loyalty, and is considered to be one of the most powerful and benevolent deities in the Hindu pantheon. He is known for his unwavering loyalty to Lord Rama, and his immense strength and valor are celebrated by devotees around the world.
On the day of Hanuman Jayanti, devotees wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath. They then visit Hanuman temples and offer special prayers and pujas to seek blessings from Lord Hanuman. Many devotees observe a fast on this day and eat only vegetarian food. They also chant hymns and mantras in praise of Lord Hanuman and read the Hanuman Chalisa, a sacred text that describes the exploits of Lord Hanuman.
In some parts of India, particularly in the northern regions, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated as a public holiday. Processions are taken out on the streets, and people dress up in traditional clothes and carry flags and banners with pictures of Lord Hanuman. The atmosphere is festive and lively, with music and dancing filling the air.
Devotees also distribute prasad, a sacred food that is offered to the deities and then distributed among the devotees. Prasad usually includes sweets, fruits, and other vegetarian food items.
Hanuman Jayanti is not just a celebration of Lord Hanuman's birth, but it is also a reminder of the virtues and qualities that he represents. Devotees believe that by following Lord Hanuman's example of devotion, strength, and loyalty, they can overcome all obstacles and lead a fulfilling life.
In conclusion, Hanuman Jayanti is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman. It is a time for devotees to seek blessings, offer prayers, and celebrate the virtues that Lord Hanuman represents. The festival is marked by a lively atmosphere and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by millions of Hindus around the world.