Hanuman Jayanti 2026

Hanuman Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Hanuman, the supreme devotee of Rama and an embodiment of strength, courage, and selfless service. In most of North India, it is observed on Chaitra Shukla Purnima (the full moon of Chaitra). Some South Indian traditions celebrate it on different dates, but the Purnima observance is the most widespread.

Devotees visit Hanuman temples at dawn, offering sindoor (vermilion), chameli oil, and garlands of red flowers. The Hanuman Chalisa — the forty-verse hymn composed by Tulsidas — is recited in congregations that often continue through the day. Many observe a fast and spend the day reading the Sundara Kanda of the Ramacharitamanas, which narrates Hanuman's heroic leap to Lanka.

The panchang criterion for Hanuman Jayanti is that the Purnima tithi should be active at sunrise (Udaya Tithi). If Purnima spans two sunrises, the day when it prevails at the moment of sunrise is chosen. In 2026, this places the celebration on April 2nd. Temples in places like Varanasi, Lucknow, and Patna hold especially grand celebrations with large processions.

Hanuman is venerated not only as a mighty warrior but also as a Chiranjeevi (immortal being) and a master of the Nava Vyakarana (nine grammars). His devotion to Rama represents the ideal of Dasya Bhakti — the path of loving servitude. Wrestling and physical fitness competitions (akhadas) are traditionally held on this day, honouring Hanuman as the patron deity of wrestlers and athletes.