Hanuman Jayanthi is the birthday of Hindu God Hanuman and is observed on the Purnima or full moon day in Chaitra month (March – April). Some people observe Hanuman Jayanthi Fasting or Vrat on the previous day of actual Jayanti day – this is most popular in Maharashtra and western parts of
. In India North India, Hanuman Jayanthi Fasting is observed on the actual Jayanti day. In 2013, Hanuman Jayanti is on April 24 for some communities. Others will be observing it on April 25, 2013, the Hanuman Jayanti day.
For those who are observing the Hanuman Jayanthi fasting at home, preparations begin early in the morning. After thoroughly cleaning the home ane purifying the body, idols or pictures of Hanuman are cleaned.
Then they are smeared with Sindhoor. A lamp is lit and prayers are chanted. Next sweets and bananas are offered. Hanuman Chalisa is recited. The number of times it is repeated depends on the devotee. Prayers and pujas end with the recitation of Hanuman Aarati or Aarti Bajrangbali Ki.
Most devotees fast on the day from sunrise to sunset.
Those observing partial fast eat fruits and drink milk. Some people opt for Sabudana Khichadi.
The fast is ended in the evening after puja or visiting a nearby Hanuman temple. Some people end the fast only on the next day morning.
Interestingly, most Hindu fast or upvaas is observed by women. But during Hanuman Jayanti, it is mostly men that fast, especially wrestlers and body builders.
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