Hanuman Jayanti 2025: Date, Significance, Rituals, and Celebrations
Hanuman Jayanti, also known as Hanuman Janmotsav, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated to honor Lord Hanuman, the epitome of devotion, strength, and courage. Devotees across India and other parts of the world observe this festival with great enthusiasm, offering prayers, reciting Hanuman Chalisa, and participating in religious processions. In 2025, Hanuman Jayanti will be observed on April 12 as per the Purnima Tithi of the Hindu lunar calendar.
Hanuman Janmotsav 2025 Date and Timings
According to the Hindu Panchang, the Purnima Tithi in April 2025 falls on the following schedule:
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 03:21 AM on April 12, 2025
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 05:51 AM on April 13, 2025
Since the Purnima Tithi predominates on April 12, 2025, Hanuman Jayanti will be observed on this day.
Significance of Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Hanuman, the devoted disciple of Lord Rama and an essential character in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Hanuman is revered as a symbol of selfless service, power, wisdom, and courage. It is believed that praying to Lord Hanuman helps devotees overcome obstacles, gain strength, and achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Lord Hanuman is considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva and a manifestation of supreme devotion (Bhakti). He is also known as Anjaneya, Maruti, Bajrangbali, and Pavanputra, emphasizing his divine attributes.
Hanuman Jayanti Rituals and Celebrations
1. Early Morning Prayers and Temple Visits
Devotees begin the day by taking an early morning bath and visiting Hanuman temples. Special prayers and aarti are performed in temples across India. Many temples also organize grand processions, where idols of Lord Hanuman are carried with great reverence and chanting of hymns.
2. Recitation of Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand
Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand on this auspicious day is considered highly beneficial. Devotees believe that reading these sacred texts with devotion brings protection, prosperity, and divine blessings.
3. Fasting and Offerings
Many devotees observe a fast (Vrat) on Hanuman Jayanti, consuming only fruits and milk. Offerings such as besan laddoo, boondi, jaggery, and red flowers are made to Lord Hanuman. The color red is considered sacred for Hanuman, and devotees often wear red attire while performing rituals.
4. Hanuman Jayanti Processions
Large processions featuring Hanuman idols, musical bands, and spiritual discourses are organized in cities and towns. Devotees chant “Jai Bajrangbali” and sing bhajans dedicated to Lord Hanuman, creating a vibrant atmosphere of devotion.
5. Charity and Service
Since Hanuman symbolizes selfless service, many devotees engage in charitable activities such as feeding the poor, distributing Prasad, and offering donations to temples and underprivileged people.
Hanuman Jayanti Celebrations Across India
North India
In states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with special pujas, kirtans, and langars (community feasts). Devotees throng famous Hanuman temples such as Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya, Salasar Balaji in Rajasthan, and Sankat Mochan Temple in Varanasi.
Maharashtra and Western India
In Maharashtra, Hanuman Jayanti is observed on Chaitra Purnima with grand celebrations at Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai and Parbhani’s Hanuman Temples. Devotees chant the “Hanuman Chalisa” 108 times as part of their prayers.
South India
In states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated during Margashirsha or Vaishakha month. The famous Kote Anjaneya Temple in Bangalore and Veera Anjaneya Temple in Tamil Nadu witness thousands of devotees seeking blessings.
Eastern India
West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam celebrate Hanuman Jayanti with grand rituals and processions. In Odisha, the Mahavir Temple in Bhubaneswar sees huge gatherings of devotees chanting Hanuman bhajans.
Conclusion
Hanuman Jayanti is a day to seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman, the great devotee of Lord Rama. By observing fasts, performing rituals, and reciting Hanuman Chalisa, devotees strengthen their faith and receive divine protection. As Hanuman symbolizes strength, devotion, and selflessness, his teachings inspire millions to lead a righteous and courageous life.
On April 12, 2025, let us celebrate Hanuman Jayanti with devotion and prayers, embracing the qualities of Lord Hanuman in our lives. Jai Bajrangbali!
