Hanuman Jayanti is the full moon of Chaitra. It is a smaller day in Bengal than in the north, kept in Hanuman temples with readings of the Hanuman Chalisa and the Sundara Kanda, and with offerings of laddoos and bananas. In Kolkata it is observed most by the city's Hindi-speaking communities, in Burrabazar and along the river.
The story
In the Bengali Ramayana of Krittibas, Hanuman is sent to fetch one hundred and eight blue lotuses for Rama's worship of Durga. The goddess hides one to test Rama, who prepares to offer his own eye in its place.
He is honoured in Bengal as Mahavir, the embodiment of strength in service, and Swami Vivekananda urged the young to take him as their ideal.
How it is kept
- SindurThe image is anointed with vermilion and oil.
- Hanuman ChalisaRecited through the day.
- OfferingsLaddoos, bananas and soaked gram.
- AkharaPhysical culture clubs mark the day with displays.
Why this date
Hanuman Jayanti is Chaitra Purnima, on the day the full-moon tithi is present at sunrise.
Hanuman Jayanti in other years
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Thursday | |
| 2027 | Tuesday | |
| 2028 | Sunday | |
| 2029 | Saturday | |
| 2030 | Thursday | |
| 2031 | Monday |
More Bengali festivals
15 AprilRam Navamiরাম নবমী
15 AprilPoila Boishakhপয়লা বৈশাখ
8 MayAkshaya Tritiyaঅক্ষয় তৃতীয়া
14 JulyShayan Ekadashiশয়ন একাদশী
22 MarchDol Purnimaদোলযাত্রা
18 JulyGuru Purnimaগুরু পূর্ণিমা
Where to see Hanuman Jayanti
In West Bengal
- Burrabazar, KolkataWest BengalThe old trading quarter, with the city's busiest Hanuman temples.
- Belur MathWest BengalHeadquarters of the order founded by Vivekananda, who held Hanuman up as the model of strength.
- Lake Kalibari, KolkataWest BengalA south Kolkata temple where the day is kept with readings.
Across India
- Hanuman Garhi, AyodhyaUttar PradeshThe fortress temple of Rama's city.
- VaranasiUttar PradeshSankat Mochan, with its festival of music.
- HampiKarnatakaAnjanadri, held to be his birthplace.