Hanuman Jayanti 2026: Date, Rituals, and Celebrations
Published by the Vedic Tithi Team — a group dedicated to accurate Vedic date and festival information.
Hanuman Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Hanuman. It is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Hinduism. Devotees across India and around the world observe this day with prayers, fasting, and visits to Hanuman temples.
When is Hanuman Jayanti 2026?
Hanuman Jayanti 2026 is on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
The Purnima tithi (full moon) begins at 07:06 AM on April 1 and ends at 07:41 AM on April 2. As per the Hindu Udaya Tithi rule (the tithi prevailing at sunrise determines the day of observance), the main celebration falls on April 2, 2026.
Tithi timings sourced from DrikPanchang for New Delhi, India.
Scriptural Basis for Hanuman Jayanti
The birth of Lord Hanuman on Chaitra Purnima is described in the Ananda Ramayana and referenced in the Valmiki Ramayana. The Ananda Ramayana specifically states that Hanuman was born to Anjana and Kesari on the full moon day of Chaitra. Several Puranas including the Shiva Purana also describe Hanuman's birth as a partial avatar of Lord Shiva.
Different regional traditions draw from different texts — which is why the celebration date varies slightly across India (Chaitra Purnima in North India, Chaitra Shukla Dasami in parts of South India, and Margashirsha in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka).
Hanuman Jayanti Hindu Date and Time
As per Amanta Calendar (followed in South India, Maharashtra, Gujarat)
- Month: Chaitra (1st month of the Hindu lunisolar year)
- Paksha: Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight)
- Tithi: Purnima (15th day — full moon)
- Date: Chaitra Purnima, Vikram Samvat 2083
In the Amanta system, Chaitra is the first month. The month ends on the full moon day. Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on this Purnima.
As per Purnimanta Calendar (followed in North India — UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal)
- Month: Chaitra (1st month)
- Paksha: Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight)
- Tithi: Purnima (full moon)
- Date: Chaitra Purnima, Vikram Samvat 2083
In the Purnimanta system, the month begins after the full moon. Both Amanta and Purnimanta followers celebrate Hanuman Jayanti on the same Chaitra Purnima day. There is no difference in the date for this festival.
Note: In Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, Hanuman Jayanti is observed on Chaitra Shukla Dasami (10th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra), which falls a few days earlier. This is a regional variation.
How to Celebrate Hanuman Jayanti
Morning Rituals
- Wake up early — preferably before sunrise. Take a bath and wear clean clothes.
- Visit a Hanuman temple — offer sindoor (red vermilion), flowers, and tulsi leaves. Sindoor is considered especially dear to Hanuman.
- Recite Hanuman Chalisa — Hanuman Chalisa written by Tulsidas is the most widely recited text on this day.
- Chant the mantra: Om Han Hanumate Namah or Jai Bajrangbali.
Panchang
Check panchang for the day of Hanuman Jyanti. Download Panchang Calendar
Fasting
Many devotees observe a fast on Hanuman Jayanti. The fast is usually broken after visiting the temple and completing the puja. Some people observe a complete fast (nirjala — without water), while others eat only fruits and milk.
Puja (Worship)
- Offer red flowers and a garland to Hanuman's idol or image.
- Apply sindoor mixed with oil — this is a traditional offering.
- Light a ghee diya (lamp).
- Offer prasad such as besan laddoo, panchamrit, or boondi.
- Read or listen to Sundarkand from the Ramcharitmanas.
Community Celebrations
- Bhajan and kirtan sessions are held at temples and community halls throughout the day and night.
- Langar and prasad distribution — free food is distributed to all visitors at most temples.
- Ramkatha and pravachans — religious discourses on the life and deeds of Hanuman.
Evening Prayers
In the evening, another aarti is performed. Many temples hold a special abhishek (ritual bathing of the idol) with panchamrit (mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar).
Hanuman Jayanti 2026: Community Events by Region
Surrey, BC, Canada
Surrey has one of the largest South Asian communities in Canada. Hindu temples in Surrey regularly celebrate Hanuman Jayanti with pujas, bhajan sessions, and prasad distribution.
Key temples:
- Shri Yoga Hanuman Temple, Surrey — a dedicated Hanuman temple in Surrey known for its grand Hanuman idol and regular pujas and aartis. Website: yogahanuman.org
- Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Surrey — has a dedicated Hanuman Jayanti page and hosts annual celebrations. Website: hindumandirsurrey.com
- Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple (DYC Canada), Surrey — part of the Avadhoota Datta Peetham network. Website: dyccanada.org
- BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Surrey — hosts devotional programs on Chaitra Purnima
For confirmed 2026 event timings, contact temples directly or check their websites closer to April 2, 2026.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Toronto's Hindu community is large and well-organized. Several temples celebrate Hanuman Jayanti with full-day programs.
Key temples:
- Toronto Hindu Dharmic Sabha (Shri Krishna Mandir) — hosts Hanuman Jayanti with morning puja at 8 AM followed by 108 recitations of the Hanuman Chalisa, and evening puja from 6:30 PM to 9 PM. Website: shrikrishnamandir.org
- Shiv Sewa Sangh Mandir, Scarborough — Hanuman Chalisa chanting from 10 AM to 5 PM, followed by puja and aarti from 6 PM onwards. Website: shivsewasanghmandir.com
- Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre (SMCC) — celebrates all Hindu festivals per the Panchang calendar. Website: sanatanmandir.com
- BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Etobicoke — holds Chaitra Purnima devotional programs. Website: baps.org
- Vishnu Mandir, North York — one of the largest Hindu temples in Canada
Contact individual temples for confirmed 2026 timings closer to April 2, 2026.
New York, USA
New York has a significant Hindu population, particularly in Queens and Staten Island. Hanuman Jayanti is widely celebrated across the city.
Key temples:
- Neem Karoli Baba Ashram and Hanuman Temple — hosts an extended Hanuman Jayanti celebration with 24-hour Hanuman Chalisa chanting, 24-hour Ramayana Paath, multiple aartis, prasad dinners, and a birthday celebration on Purnima night. Website: nkbashram.org
- Hindu Temple Society of North America (Ganesh Temple), Flushing, Queens — one of the oldest and most prominent Hindu temples in North America. Temple calendar: nyganeshtemple.org
- Sri Venkateswara Temple (Balaji Temple), Bridgewater, NJ — widely attended by the New York–New Jersey Hindu community for major festivals
- BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville, NJ — large-scale devotional programs on major Hindu occasions
Check temple websites for confirmed 2026 event schedules.
Dallas, Texas, USA
Dallas has a large and active Hindu community. Hanuman Jayanti celebrations are held across the DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) area.
Key temples:
- Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, Frisco, TX — a dedicated Hanuman temple founded under the guidance of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji. Celebrates Hanuman Jayanti with elaborate rituals, cultural performances, and community feasts. Website: dallashanuman.org
- DFW Hindu Temple Society (Ekta Mandir), Irving — has a dedicated Hanuman Jayanthi events page. Website: dfwhindutemple.org
- BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Irving — holds devotional programs on major Hindu occasions
For confirmed 2026 event timings, check the temple websites linked above.
New Delhi, India
New Delhi celebrates Hanuman Jayanti on a large scale. Temples across the city hold special programs that last through the night.
Key temples in Delhi:
- Shri Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place — one of Delhi's oldest and most visited Hanuman temples. Huge gatherings on Jayanti with overnight bhajan sessions.
- Jhandewalan Mandir — large Hanuman temple with massive celebrations and prasad distribution.
- Sankat Mochan Mandir, Sector 16, Rohini — known for organized community pujas.
- Birla Mandir (Laxminarayan Temple) — holds special prayers and programs on major Hindu festivals.
The Delhi government often supports community programs around Hanuman Jayanti, including public bhajan sessions and prasad distribution near major temples.
Major Temples in India Where Hanuman Jayanti is Celebrated
These are among the most important Hanuman temples in India, known for large-scale celebrations on Jayanti:
1. Mahavir Mandir, Patna (Bihar)
One of the richest and most visited Hanuman temples in India. On Jayanti, lakhs of devotees visit. The temple distributes prasad throughout the day. Overnight bhajan programs are a tradition here.
2. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
Founded by Goswami Tulsidas, author of Ramcharitmanas. This is one of the holiest Hanuman temples in India, known for continuous 24-hour Hanuman Chalisa chanting. On Hanuman Jayanti, the temple holds the Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh — an annual classical music festival featuring top Indian classical musicians and dancers. Entry is free for all. Processions with Hanuman's decorated idol pass through the city streets accompanied by drums, cymbals, and conch shells.
3. Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh)
Located in Ram's birthplace city, this temple is especially significant. On Jayanti, Ayodhya sees massive crowds. The entire city celebrates with lights, processions, and kirtans.
4. Salasar Balaji Temple, Salasar (Rajasthan)
One of the most important Hanuman pilgrimage sites in North India. On Jayanti, the temple sees over a lakh of visitors. Special bhandara (community meal) is organized.
5. Kashtabhanjan Hanumanji Temple, Sarangpur (Gujarat)
A major Swaminarayan-affiliated Hanuman temple. Known for healing and devotion. Large gatherings on Jayanti with overnight bhajans.
6. Jakhu Temple, Shimla (Himachal Pradesh)
One of the oldest Hanuman temples in India, set on Jakhu Hill at 2,455 meters. On Jayanti, pilgrims climb the hill for darshan. Home to a massive 33-meter Hanuman statue.
7. Sri Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Located at the center of India's capital, this temple was built over 400 years ago. On Jayanti, thousands of devotees gather from across Delhi.
8. Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple, Namakkal (Tamil Nadu)
Famous for a large rock-cut Hanuman idol. The celebration here has regional significance and attracts pilgrims from across Tamil Nadu.
9. Hanuman Dhara, Chitrakoot (Madhya Pradesh / Uttar Pradesh)
A historical temple associated with Ram's stay at Chitrakoot. On Jayanti, pilgrims visit from across central India.
10. Mehandipur Balaji Temple, Dausa (Rajasthan)
One of the most powerful Hanuman temples in India, known for its intense devotional atmosphere. On Jayanti, thousands of pilgrims travel from across Rajasthan and neighboring states.
11. Sri Hanuman Temple, Hampi (Karnataka)
Hampi is traditionally associated with the Kishkindha region from the Ramayana. Some traditions consider this area the birthplace of Anjaneya (Hanuman). The temple sees significant celebrations on Jayanti.
12. Panchamukhi Hanuman Mandir, Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
A significant South Indian Hanuman temple known for its Panchamukhi (five-faced) form of Hanuman. Draws large crowds during Jayanti from across Tamil Nadu.
Why Hanuman Jayanti Matters
Lord Hanuman is considered the symbol of strength, devotion, and selfless service. He is worshipped by people across all walks of life — for physical courage, mental strength, protection from evil, and success in work.
His story in the Ramayana teaches that true devotion has no limit and that a devoted servant can achieve what even the mightiest cannot.
On Hanuman Jayanti, people do not just celebrate a birthday — they renew their commitment to these values.
Common Questions
Q: Is Hanuman Jayanti a public holiday in India?
A: It is a gazetted public holiday in several states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh. Other states may observe it as an optional or regional holiday.
Q: Can Hanuman Jayanti fall on two different dates?
A: Yes, in general this can happen depending on your region. In 2026, the main date is April 2 as per the Udaya Tithi rule (the tithi at sunrise on April 2 is still Purnima until 07:41 AM). Some communities observing by the start of Purnima may celebrate on April 1. Always check your local panchang for the precise tithi timing in your city. For 2026 timings city-wise, see DrikPanchang.
Q: What prasad is offered to Hanuman?
A: Sindoor, besan laddoo, boondi, tulsi leaves, red flowers, and panchamrit are traditional offerings. Banana is also a common offering.
Q: What are popular stotras?
A: Some poplaur stotras related to Lord Hanuman:
- Hanuman Chalisa
- Apaduddharaka Hanuman Stotram
- Hanuman Ashtakam
- Hanuman Ashtottara Sata Naama Stotram
- Hanuman Bahuka (Batuka) Stotram
- Hanuman Bajrang Baan
- Hanuman Pancha Ratnam
- Sri Hanuman Badabanala Stotram
Hanuman Jayanti 2026 falls on Thursday, April 2, 2026, on the Purnima of Chaitra month as per both Amanta and Purnimanta Hindu calendars (Purnima tithi: April 1, 07:06 AM to April 2, 07:41 AM). Whether you are in India or living abroad in Canada, the USA, or elsewhere, the day is marked by prayer, fasting, temple visits, and community bhajans.
The occasion is a reminder of Hanuman's qualities — courage, devotion, humility, and service — and an opportunity to bring these values into daily life.
Jai Bajrang Bali!