Hanuman Jayanti is one of the most joyously celebrated festivals in Hinduism — the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman. It falls on the full moon (Purnima) of the Chaitra month in the Hindu lunar calendar, typically in March or April.
Date
TIME-SENSITIVE: The date changes every year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The figures below are approximate — always confirm the exact date from a current panchang before planning a visit or observance.
- 2026: April 2 (Chaitra Purnima) — now past. Note: The Telugu tradition observes Hanuman Jayanti on April 12.
- 2027: May 1 (Saturday) — VERIFY from panchang
The next upcoming Hanuman Jayanti is in 2027. Check a current panchang for the confirmed date.
Why Chaitra Purnima?
According to tradition, Lord Hanuman was born at sunrise on the full moon of Chaitra. His mother Anjana and father Keshari welcomed him as the earthly embodiment of Vayudeva (the wind god) and an avatar of Lord Shiva. TRADITIONAL/BELIEF: The specific birth circumstances are from devotional tradition, not historical record.
How to Celebrate at Home
- Wake before sunrise and bathe
- Clean and decorate the puja space with flowers
- Offer sindoor, red flowers, gur and chana, and a garland
- Recite Hanuman Chalisa 5, 7, or 11 times
- Read or listen to Sundar Kand
- Observe a fast for the day (break at sunset)
- Distribute prasad — gur-chana and motichoor laddoo
At a Temple
- Visit early morning for the special abhishek (ritual bathing) ceremony
- Listen to the Hanuman Katha discourse
- Join in bhajan and kirtan
In Ayodhya, Hanuman Garhi holds the most important Hanuman Jayanti celebration — an overnight jagran with bhajan programmes running through the night. See Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya.
A Note on Regional Variations
In Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on Margashirsha Amavasya (new moon of November–December) rather than Chaitra Purnima. Both dates are authentic, reflecting different regional scriptural traditions. REGIONAL/TRADITIONAL ACCOUNT: The scriptural basis for the South Indian date differs from the North Indian tradition; both are followed by their respective communities.
Related Pages
- Hanuman Festival Calendar — all major Hanuman festivals and auspicious days
- Hanuman Chalisa — the primary prayer for Hanuman Jayanti
- Sundar Kand — recited on Hanuman Jayanti in many traditions
- Hanuman Puja Vidhi — step-by-step home puja guide
- Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya — the most important Hanuman Jayanti location
- Birth of Hanuman — the full story of Hanuman’s birth
Jai Bajrang Bali! Happy Hanuman Jayanti!