Thursday, April 2, 2026
Celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, the devoted disciple of Lord Rama and symbol of strength and devotion. Devotees visit Hanuman temples, recite the Hanuman Chalisa, and offer sindoor and bananas. Observed on Chaitra Purnima in most of India.
Dedicated to Lord Hanuman (Bajrangbali)
Bathe before sunrise and wear red or saffron clothes. Clean the puja area. Place the Hanuman idol on a chowki covered with red cloth, with Rama-Sita images behind or beside him.
Sit facing the rising sun (east). Take Sankalp — dedicating the puja to Lord Hanuman for strength, protection from enemies, removal of fear, and unwavering devotion to Lord Rama.
ॐ अद्य चैत्र शुक्ल पूर्णिमायां हनुमान जयन्ती पूजनम् करिष्ये।
Worship Lord Ganesha briefly with durva and red flowers.
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः॥
Invoke Lord Hanuman by chanting his dhyana mantra. Visualise him seated at the feet of Lord Rama, his heart aflame with Ram's name.
ॐ आञ्जनेयाय विद्महे महाबलाय धीमहि। तन्नो हनुमत् प्रचोदयात्॥
Apply fresh sindoor mixed with jasmine oil to Hanuman's body — especially his chest, shoulders, and forehead. This is the most iconic Hanuman offering, recalling how Sita once applied sindoor for Rama's long life and Hanuman applied it all over his body for devotion.
Perform the sixteen upacharas — Asana, Padya, Arghya, Achamaniya, Snana (panchamrit), Vastra (red chola), Gandha (chandan), Akshat, Pushpa (red hibiscus, tulsi), Dhupa, Deepa, Naivedya (banana, laddoo), Tambula, Pradakshina, Namaskar.
ॐ हं हनुमते नमः॥ ॐ राम दूताय नमः॥
Recite the Hanuman Chalisa — the forty-verse hymn by Goswami Tulsidas. Ideally recite 7 or 11 or 108 times. Also recite the Bajrang Baan and the Hanuman Ashtak for protection from difficulties.
जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर। जय कपीस तिहुं लोक उजागर॥
Recite the Sundar Kand of the Tulsi Ramcharitmanas — the chapter describing Hanuman's leap to Lanka and meeting with Sita. This is considered the most auspicious path to Hanuman.
Perform the Hanuman Aarti with camphor — singing 'Aarti Kije Hanuman Lala Ki'. Ring the bell and conch. Circle the camphor clockwise before the deity.
आरती कीजै हनुमान लाला की। दुष्ट दलन रघुनाथ कला की॥
Offer a final pushpanjali of red flowers. Distribute the boondi laddoo, bananas, and other naivedya as prasad. Apply a tilak of sindoor (from Hanuman's feet) to all devotees. Donate to the needy — especially wrestlers, athletes, and the poor — in Hanuman's honour.
This guide reflects classical Parashari tradition. Regional variations exist — consult a family priest for specifics.