Hanuman Jayanti 2026

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Puja?

• Devotees of Hanuman: All devotees, men and women alike, observe this day to seek the strength, courage, and protection of Lord Hanuman.
• Those Seeking Strength: Those facing fear, illness, or obstacles pray to him to remove difficulties (Sankat Mochan) and grant them courage and steadfast devotion.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Bathe and take the vow early, during Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn hour before sunrise) or at sunrise. Many devotees keep a fast through the day.
• Puja Muhurat: The main puja is done in the morning after sunrise, as Lord Hanuman is believed to have been born at sunrise. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Evening Prayers: Hanuman Chalisa or Sundarkand is recited again in the evening after sunset (families differ).
• Regional Observance: Hanuman Jayanti is observed on different days in different regions (Chaitra, Margashirsha, Pausha, or Jyeshtha). Follow the date that your family and region keep.

About the Festival

Hanuman Jayanti is a much-loved festival celebrated across India, marking the birth of Lord Hanuman, the devoted servant of Lord Rama. It takes place on the Purnima (full moon day) in the month of Chaitra.

The Katha (Story of Hanuman's Birth and Childhood)

Once upon a time, the celestial nymph Punjikasthala was born on earth as Anjana, a Vanara woman devoted to Lord Shiva. Through her tapasya, and by the blessings of Lord Shiva and the Wind God Vayu, she gave birth to a divine son, Hanuman, who was born with great strength and the power to leap across the sky.

One morning, as a small child, Hanuman saw the rising Sun and, mistaking it for a ripe red fruit, leapt into the sky to eat it. The Gods grew alarmed, and Indra struck the child with his thunderbolt (Vajra). Hanuman fell to the earth with his jaw (hanu) wounded, and from this he received the name Hanuman. Seeing his son hurt, Vayu withdrew from the world, and all living beings began to suffocate.

Brahma and the other Gods approached Vayu, comforted him, and said: "Let the child live. He will be blessed with immortality, boundless strength, and protection from all weapons, and he will become the greatest devotee of Lord Rama." The Gods then granted him many boons, and Vayu restored the air to the world.

Pleased by this, Hanuman grew up to serve Lord Rama with unwavering devotion. Since that day, devotees celebrate his birth and recite his praises to seek courage, protection, and wisdom.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Murti: Picture or idol of Lord Hanuman (and, if possible, Lord Rama, Mata Sita, and Lakshmana)
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Sindoor mixed with Chameli (jasmine) oil, Roli, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A clay Diya with Ghee or sesame oil, and incense
• Sacred Water Container: A Kalash or small vessel filled with fresh water
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Boondi Laddoo, Gur-Chana (jaggery and chickpeas), or Halwa, and a banana or other fruits
• Devotional Accessories: Red flowers, Tulsi leaves, Kalava (sacred red thread), and a red or saffron cloth

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably red or saffron).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Hanuman, today I observe this vrat with devotion. Grant me strength, courage, and protection, and remove all obstacles from my path."
3. Observe the fast through the day if you are keeping it, or eat only a simple sattvic meal (families differ).

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar (Early Morning)

1. Clean the place of worship, preferably facing the east.
2. Place the image of Lord Hanuman on a wooden stool (Chowki) covered with a clean red cloth.
3. Place a Kalash filled with water near the image.

Step 3: Performing the Morning Rituals

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense before Lord Hanuman.
2. Applying Sindoor: Apply sindoor mixed with Chameli oil to the idol and apply Roli and Akshat to the image and the Kalash.
3. Offering Flowers & Threads: Offer red flowers and Tulsi leaves, and tie a piece of Kalava around the Kalash.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place Boondi Laddoo, Gur-Chana, and fruits before the deity.

Step 4: Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa

1. Hold a few grains of rice and a few flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the altar and recite the Hanuman Chalisa, Sundarkand, or Hanuman's birth story with deep focus and devotion.
3. After completing the recitation, offer the grains and petals at the deity's feet.

Step 5: Aarti

1. Perform the Hanuman Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns such as "Aarti Kije Hanuman Lala Ki."
2. Chant "Jai Shri Ram" and "Jai Hanuman" with devotion.
3. Take the lamp's flame by passing your hands over it and touching them to your eyes.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Prasad

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the prasad among your family members, friends, and neighbours.
3. Close the day with the prasad and a simple sattvic meal.