Hanuman Jayanti is the joyous festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, the mighty son of Vayu and Anjana and the most devoted servant of Lord Rama. In North India it is usually observed on the full moon of the month of Chaitra, while in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana many families celebrate it in the month of Vaishakha, and in Tamil Nadu it falls in Margazhi. Wherever it is observed, the spirit is the same: gratitude for Hanuman's strength, humility and boundless devotion.

Preparing for the day. Devotees rise before sunrise, take a purifying bath and clean the home altar. Many observe a fast, taking only fruit and milk until the evening puja. Hanuman is believed to have been born at sunrise, so temples begin their celebrations in the early morning hours with special abhishekam.

Key rituals. The image of Hanuman is bathed with milk, water and honey and then smeared with sindoor mixed with jasmine oil, recalling the story of how Hanuman covered himself in vermilion to bring long life to Rama. He is adorned with garlands of tulsi, marigold and betel leaves, and offered boondi laddus, jaggery, bananas and soaked gram. Lamps of ghee or sesame oil are lit, and the aarti is sung with bells and conch shells.

Prayers and chanting. The heart of Hanuman Jayanti is prayer. Devotees chant the Hanuman Chalisa, often eleven or one hundred and eight times, read the Sundarakanda from the Ramayana, and repeat mantras such as "Om Sri Hanumate Namah" and "Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama." Reading the verses with their meaning brings deeper understanding; Telugu readers can follow the Hanuman Chalisa in Telugu with a clear explanation of every verse.

Service and community. Hanuman embodied seva, selfless service. Many devotees mark the day by feeding the poor, donating to temples, organising bhajans or joining processions. Some begin a forty-one day Hanuman deeksha around this period.

Hanuman Jayanti reminds us that true power comes from faith and humility. By chanting his name, serving others and remembering Rama with a pure heart, we invite Hanuman's courage and protection into our lives. Jai Bajrangbali!