Hanuman Jayanti, dedicated to the birth of Hanuman, is one of the most spiritually significant festivals for devotees across India. Known for his immense strength, unwavering devotion, and protective nature, Hanuman continues to inspire faith and courage. The day is observed with prayers, fasting, and heartfelt devotion.
In 2026, Hanuman Jayanti will be celebrated on Thursday, April 2, marking the full moon (Purnima) of the Chaitra month, as per Drik Panchang.
Hanuman Jayanti 2026 Date & Purnima Tithi Timings
In North India, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Chaitra month. Since scriptures state Lord Hanuman was born at sunrise, the festival is observed on the day the Purnima tithi coincides with sunrise.
Hanuman Jayanti Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
Purnima Tithi Begins: 07:06 AM on April 1, 2026
Purnima Tithi Ends: 07:41 AM on April 2, 2026
Peak Puja Window (Morning): The most potent spiritual time for your main puja and Sankalp is between sunrise and 07:41 AM on April 2, before the Purnima tithi concludes.
City-Wise & Regional Celebration Dates
Because Hindu calendars vary across regions, Hanuman Jayanti is uniquely celebrated on different dates depending on the state:
North India (Delhi, Mumbai, UP, etc.): April 2, 2026 (Chaitra Purnima). The Madhyahna (midday) Muhurat in cities like Mumbai will peak around 12:00 PM for special aartis.
Karnataka (Hanuman Vratam): Tuesday, December 22, 2026. Celebrated on Shukla Paksha Trayodashi of the Margashirsha month.
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: Devotees begin a rigorous 41-day Deeksha starting on Chaitra Purnima (April 2, 2026), concluding on the tenth day of Krishna Paksha in Vaishakha.
Tamil Nadu & Kerala: Observed on Margashirsha Amavasya (usually late December or early January), marking a distinct regional tradition.
Step-by-Step Hanuman Jayanti Puja Vidhi
Performing the puja with pure intentions is more important than grand gestures. Follow these simple steps at home or the temple:
Purification: Wake up before sunrise (Brahma Muhurat), take a holy bath, and wear clean (preferably red or yellow) clothes.
Idol Placement: Place the idol or picture of Lord Hanuman on a clean wooden platform covered with a red cloth. Always place Lord Rama and Sita's image next to him, as Hanuman’s worship is incomplete without them.
Lighting the Lamp: Light a ghee or mustard oil lamp and offer a fragrant incense stick.
Holy Bath (Abhishek): If you have a metal idol, perform an abhishek using pure water, milk, and honey.
Offerings: Apply the sacred Sindoor mixed with jasmine oil. Offer red flowers, a sacred thread (Janeu), and a garland of betel leaves (paan).
Bhog & Aarti: Offer a sweet bhog of besan laddoos, boondi, or jaggery and gram (gur-chana). Conclude by reciting the Hanuman Chalisa or Bajrang Baan, followed by the Hanuman Aarti.
The Significance of Offering Sindoor Chola
One of the most important rituals on Hanuman Jayanti is offering a Sindoor Chola (vermilion mixed with jasmine oil) to the deity. According to the Ramayana, Lord Hanuman once saw Mother Sita applying sindoor to her forehead. When he asked her why, she explained that it ensured the long life and prosperity of her husband, Lord Rama.
Touched by this, the devoted Hanuman covered his entire body in sindoor to grant his beloved Lord Rama immortality. Pleased by his pure innocence and unmatched devotion, Lord Rama granted a boon that whoever worships Hanuman with sindoor will be blessed with a long, obstacle-free life.
Mantras and Chants
Chanting sacred mantras is an essential part of Hanuman Jayanti. Devotees recite them to seek strength, courage, and protection from negative influences.
Some commonly recited mantras include:
Om Namo Bhagavate Anjaneyaya Mahabalaya Swaha
Om Shri Hanumate Namah
Om Anjaneyaya Vidmahe Vayuputraya Dhimahi, Tanno Hanumat Prachodayat Bajrangbali Ki Jai
Om Panchmukh Hanumate Namah
These chants are believed to bring inner peace, remove fear, and strengthen faith.
A Day of Devotion and Inner Strength
Hanuman Jayanti is more than a ritual, it is a reminder of the power of devotion, humility, and courage. In a fast-moving world, this day offers a moment to pause and reconnect with spiritual values.
Through fasting, chanting, and prayer, devotees seek to embody the qualities of Hanuman, strength with humility and power guided by devotion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is Hanuman Jayanti in 2026?
In most parts of North India, Hanuman Jayanti will be celebrated on Thursday, April 2, 2026, coinciding with Chaitra Purnima.
2. What is the best time for Hanuman puja in 2026?
The most auspicious window for Hanuman Jayanti puja on April 2, 2026, is from sunrise until 07:41 AM, while the Purnima Tithi is still active. However, midday (Madhyahna) and evening (Pradosh) timings are also highly favorable.
3. Why are there two different dates for Hanuman Jayanti?
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on different dates because different regions follow different lunar calendars. North India observes it on Chaitra Purnima, while states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka celebrate it during the Margashirsha month based on their specific regional mythologies.
4. Can we eat salt during the Hanuman Jayanti fast?
If you are strictly observing the Hanuman Jayanti vrat (fast), it is advised to avoid regular table salt. You can consume fruits, milk, and sattvic foods prepared with Sendha Namak (rock salt) once a day.
5. What should I offer to Lord Hanuman on his birthday?
The most auspicious offerings include a Sindoor Chola (vermilion and jasmine oil), red flowers, betel leaf (paan) garlands, and sweets like besan ladoos, boondi, or simple jaggery with roasted gram (gur-chana).