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SriRangaSri List Archive: Message 00052 Apr 2003

 
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Hanuman Jayanti -- Rituals
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Hanuman, 
the monkey god and one among the greatest Bhaktas. It falls on Chaitra Shukla 
Purnima (in the month of 
March-April). This year the festival falls on April 16,2003. 
Hanuman was an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. He is a symbol of 
strength and is worshipped for his unconditional and deep-hearted 
devotion to Lord Rama.

This is one of the important festival in India. From early morning, 
People come to worship the monkey god. On this holy day, the priests 
of temples bathe the idol of Hanuman. Then the body is smeared with 
oil and sindoor. Special prayers are offered to the idol in the 
temples Hanuman Chalisa is chanted in the temples and houses. In 
Bihar and Uttar Pradesh huge tents are erected in front of Hanuman 
temples where people congregate to listen to recitations of the 
Hanuman Chalisa. 

Sweets and fruits, especially bananas, are offered to God. Many men 
keep fast on this day to seek blessings of Hanuman. This festival is 
more important among bachelors and body-builders. For bachelors as 
Hanuman himself remained bramchari throughout his life and devoted 
his entire life in serving Lord Rama and Sita. And body-builders 
worship him because of his 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. 

In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where Hanuman is most popular among the 
wrestlers, stage shows on the life of Hanuman are performed by the 
locals artists. Games like wrestling are a common part of this 
festival. Wrestling commences with both wrestlers crying 'Jai 
Hanuman' or 'Hail Hanuman'. 

Hanuman is worshipped in folk tradition as a deity with magical 
powers and the ability to conquer evil spirits.








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