How is Hanuman Jayanthi Celebrated?
The preparations for commemorating the birth of Hanuman begin much before dawn. On this day, the priest bathes the idols and offers special prayers. They then smear his body ‘sindoor’ and oil. According to mythologists, it is believed that Sita applied this sindoor’ on Hanuman’s body to ensure the longevity of her husbandRam. At the illuminated Hanuman temples, there are long queues, where devotees offer sweets and bananas. They recite recitations from ‘Hanuman Chalisa’a set of prayers glorifying Hanuman, describing his past times in groups. In some zoos in India, they venerate monkeys as a form of Hanuman. Men fast from dawn to dusk, praying for courage and strength. There are special entertainment programmes called ‘nautnaki’, where interesting dramas are enacted based on the heroic deeds performed by Hanuman. In some Indian cities, colorful processions fill the streets. People dance, carry idols of Lord Hanuman and some people wear masks and tails to imitate the monkey God.
