Hanuman Jayanti

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Hanuman Jayanti

 

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Hanuman,

Jai Hanumanthe monkey god widely venerated throughout India. It is

celebrated during Chaitra and is especially important to

Brahmacharis, wrestlers and bodybuilders.

Hanuman was an ardent devotee of Rama, and is worshipped for his

unflinching devotion to the god. From the early morning, devotees

flock Hanuman temples to worship the monkey god.

The officiating priest bathes the diety and offers special prayers

to the gods. Then the entire body is smeared with sindoora and oil,

a symbol of life and strength.

Legend of Sindoor on Lord Hanuman's Body: According to a popular

belief, once when Sita was applying sindoora to her hair, Hanuman

asked her the reason for doing so. She replied that by applying

sindoora, she ensured a long life for her husband. The more sindoora

she applied, the longer Rama's life would be. The devoted Hanuman

then smeared his entire body with sindoora, in an effort to ensure

Rama's immortality. Hence Hanuman's idol is always daubed with

sindoora.

Celebrations: People offer sweets and fruit, specially bananas, to

the god. Since Hanuman is a monkey god, monkey's in zoos and

neighboring areas are also objects of veneration on this day. Men

also fast from morning till evening. In some parts of the country,

especially Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the festival involves more

elaborate celebrations. Huge tents are erected in front of Hanuman

temples where people congregate to listen to recitations of the

Hanuman Chalisa.

 

Entertainment programmes called the nautanki, are organized on this

occasion. These dramas represent a particular aspect of the life of

Hanuman, especially emphasizing his devotional nature and his

bravery. Many people congregate to watch these programmes.

Jai HanumanGames like wrestling are a common part of this festival.

Body-builders and wrestlers assemble at a wrestling field in the

morning after praying for blessings from the monkey god.

A tilak of orange sindoora from Hanuman's body is applied to their

forehead, for it is considered to be auspicious and bestow good

luck.

These events represent the power and strength that Hanuman

symbolizes. Most of the body-builders and wrestlers fast on this

day, breaking it only at night.

 

The culture of Hanuman is fairly strong in India and hence Hanuman

Jayanti is an important festival. Hanuman is the symbol of strength

and energy. Hanuman is said to be able to assume any form at will,

wield rocks, move mountains, dart through the air, seize the clouds

and rival Vishnu's bird, Garuda in swiftness off light. He is

worshipped in folk tradition as a deity with magical powers and the

ability to conquer evil spirits.

http://www.ruchiskitchen.com/festivals/hanuman.htm