Diwali is the festival of light, associated primarily with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Yet Hanuman has his own deep connection to Diwali — one that goes to the very heart of the Ramayana story.
The Story: Diwali is Hanuman’s Triumph
Diwali celebrates the day Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and Ram’s defeat of Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps along every street and rooftop to welcome them home in the dark of the new moon night.
That homecoming was only possible because of Hanuman. He found Sita, he sustained the army’s morale, he brought the Sanjeevani herb when Lakshmana lay dying, he fought courageously through the war. Without Hanuman, there would have been no Ram returning to Ayodhya, and no Diwali.
This is why many traditions include Hanuman puja as part of Diwali — honouring the one who made Ram’s return possible.
Hanuman Puja on Diwali Night
In many families and in temples across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of North India, Hanuman is worshipped at midnight on Diwali — the darkest hour of the new moon night.
The belief is that on Diwali night, negative forces (represented by Ravana’s energy) are strongest before they are defeated by the light. Hanuman’s midnight puja invokes his protective power at precisely this vulnerable hour, driving out negativity and safeguarding the household through the new year.
How to Do Hanuman Puja on Diwali
- After the main Lakshmi-Ganesha puja in the evening, keep the lamps lit
- At or near midnight, go before Hanuman’s image and light a diya with til (sesame) oil
- Offer sindoor and flowers
- Recite Hanuman Chalisa once or 5 times
- Recite Bajarang Baan for additional protection
- Ask Hanuman to bless and protect the home in the year ahead
Hanuman Jayanti Connection
In South India, particularly in some communities, Hanuman Jayanti is observed on Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi — the night before Diwali (the day of Diwali in some regional traditions). This places Hanuman’s birthday in the Diwali season, strengthening the bond between the two celebrations.
Jai Bajrang Bali! Shubh Diwali!