The day of Chaitra Purnima holds great significance for the devotees of Bajrangbali, as it is celebrated as Hanuman Janmotsav (birth anniversary of Hanuman). Lord Hanuman is considered a symbol of strength, intelligence, knowledge and fearlessness. It is believed that by worshiping him, all the troubles of life go away, and the person gets courage and success. Here, we will resolve the ongoing dilemma regarding when Hanuman Jayanti will actually be celebrated this year—on April 1 or April 2.
Hanuman Jayanti: 1st April or 2nd April?
*Chaitra Purnima Tithi* (Moon Phase) starts at 7:06 AM on April 1, 2026 and ends at 7:41 AM on the next day, April 2, 2026. Hanuman’s birth anniversary is falling on April 2, 2026. According to religious texts (*Dharmashastras*), Purnima fast is observed on the day when Purnima Tithi is present at the time of sunrise. Hanuman Janmotsav is celebrated on the same day on which the Purnima fast occurs. As a result, since the Purnima Tithi will be present at the time of sunrise on April 2 this year, all the programs of fasting, holy bath, charity and Hanuman Janmotsav will be held on this day.
A grand celebration of devotion, power and service
Lord Hanuman is a great devotee of Lord Rama. It is said that to please him, one should serve others selflessly on the occasion of Hanuman Janmotsav. This grand festival is a symbol of devotion, strength and service. There is a widespread belief that by observing fast and worshiping Bajrangbali on the day of Hanuman Jayanti, one achieves victory over the enemies and every wish is fulfilled.
A mantra to please Lord Hanuman
*अतुलितबालधामं हेमशायलाभदेहं, दनुजवनक्रिषानुं ज्ञानिनामग्रगन्यम्.* सकल गुन निधानं वानरानामधीशं, वात्जातं नमामी, Raghupati dear devotee.
Meaning: I bow to Lord Hanuman—
Which is the abode of incomparable power; Whose body shines with shine and divinity like a mountain of gold; Who, like blazing fire, destroys the enemies of Lord Rama’s younger brother Lakshmana; And who is foremost among the wise. Who is the storehouse of all virtues,
Who is the lord (king) of vanaras (monkeys),
Who is the dearest devotee of Lord Rama,
And who is the son of Pawan Dev (Vayu)-
I offer my humble obeisances to such Shri Hanuman.
Benefits of worship on Hanuman Janmotsav
Worshiping Lord Hanuman on this day removes all sorrows and troubles.
By doing charity, one gets freedom from the adverse effects and obstacles of Saturn (Shani Dosha) and other planets.
Organizing *Bhandara* (community feast) removes fear, disease and negative energy.
Reciting *Ramayana* increases courage, self-confidence and life-force; Besides this, one also receives the divine blessings of Lord Rama.
How to celebrate Hanuman Janmotsav
Those who observe fast on Hanuman Jayanti should strictly follow the principles of *Brahmacharya* (abstinence/spiritual discipline).
On this day, wake up early in *Brahma Muhurta* (auspicious time before dawn) and meditate on Lord Rama, Mother Sita and Lord Hanuman.
After this, take a bath, install the idol or picture of Lord Hanuman, and perform the puja as per the scriptures.
Bathe Lord Hanuman with pure water, and then offer *sindoor* and *silver leaf* (silver leaf).
Offer *Abeer*, *Gulaal* (coloured powder), sandalwood paste and rice grains to Lord Hanuman.
Thereafter, offer fragrant flowers and garlands, and a coconut.
Then, apply *Kewda* perfume or any other fragrant perfume. Thus, whatever you want to offer to Lord Hanuman, offer it with full devotion and devotion.
After this, recite *Hanuman Chalisa* or *Sunderkand*. If you are unable to do so, then only chant the holy name of Lord Rama.
Finally, offer *Naivedya* (offering of sacred food) to Lord Hanuman, perform *Aarti* (lamp lighting ceremony), and distribute *Prasad* (blessed food) among all the people.
On this day, engage in charitable activities; You can organize *Bhandara* or recite *Sundarkand*.
What to do and what not to do on Hanuman Janmotsav
Strictly follow *Brahmacharya* (spiritual discipline/abstinence) on this day.
Keep a fast and consume only *Satvik* (pure and nutritious) food.
Completely stay away from meat, alcohol and *tamasic* (impure/stimulating) food.
Avoid anger, lies and negative thoughts.
Maintain a sense of humility and reverence in the presence of Lord Hanuman.
Donate to the poor and needy.
Feed jaggery (*Gur*) and roasted gram (*Chana*) to the monkeys.
Avoid insulting anyone or getting into any kind of dispute.