On Chaitra Shukla Purnima, i.e., the full moon day of March-April, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated all over the country. The monkey-God Hanuman is worshipped everywhere in India either alone or together with Lord Rama. Hanuman temples dot the entire length and breadth of the country. Every temple dedicated to Rama invariably has an idol of Hanuman. In other temples also the image of Hanuman is found installed.

The birth anniversary of Hanuman, the son of the Wind-god Maruti and Anjana Devi, is celebrated with great religious fervor. People visit the shrines dedicated to Lord Hanuman, observe strict fast, offer prayers and puja, read the Ramayana and the Hanuman Chalisa. On this occasion the idol of Hanuman is given a new coat of vermillion colour mixed with clarified butter and then richly decorated. Fairs are also held at some places near the shrines and charity feasts are also organized.

Hanuman is considered to be one of the greatest embodiments of strength, speed, agility, learning and selfless service to Lord Rama. He could fly at the speed of wind, uproot mountains and trees, assume any size and shape at will and make himself invisible. In the battlefield he became a figure of exuding terror, assuming the qualities of colossus, assuming the form of a mountain, or a tall tower, which is invincible. He is depicted with a face red like ruby, skin yellow, coat shining like molten gold and a tail of immense length. He shattered the enemies in the battlefield with his fierce roar. He is considered to be immortal, and this immortality was granted to him by Rama to serve the devotees in distress. His great adventures have been described in great detail and with much reverence in the Ramayana.

He is considered as the embodiment of nishkam karmyoga, love, sincerity and true devotion. Rama and Hanuman are inseparable. His celibacy is of the highest order and he did things which were almost impossible for others, for the sake of Lord Rama. On Hanuman Jayanthi, by observing fast, meditating on him and his Lord Rama, practicing charity, reading the Hanuman Chalisa and spending the day in repeating his glories and adventures, one will be blessed.

We bow to Hanuman, who stand with his palms folded above his forehead, with a flood of tears flowing down his cheeks whenever the names of the Lord is sung.