Hanuman Jayanti honours the birth of Vayuputra Hanuman, following shortly after Ram Navami and Mahavir Jayanti in the same Chaitra stretch. Unlike most festivals, it doesn't fall on one date across India — each region follows its own calendar tradition, which is why the same festival can appear on your calendar two or three times a year depending on where you live.
When Is Hanuman Jayanti in 2026, by Region
- North India & Maharashtra: Thursday, 2 April 2026 — Chaitra Purnima. Purnima tithi runs from 7:06 AM (1 April) to 7:41 AM (2 April); since it's the tithi active at sunrise on 2 April, that's the day observed under the Udaya Tithi rule.
- Odisha: 13–15 April 2026 — coincides with Pana Sankranti, the Odia New Year.
- Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: A 41-day Deeksha begins on Chaitra Purnima (2 April) and concludes on Tuesday, 12 May 2026 (Vaishakha Krishna Dashami) — the actual Telugu Hanuman Jayanti day.
- Karnataka: Tuesday, 22 December 2026 — Margashirsha Shukla Trayodashi, known locally as Hanuman Vratam.
- Tamil Nadu & Kerala: Late December 2026 or early January 2027 — Margashirsha Amavasya, ideally aligned with Moolam Nakshatra. Sources vary on the exact day this cycle, so check your local temple's panchang closer to the date.
This isn't a calendar error. North India uses the Purnimanta lunar system anchored to Chaitra; Telugu tradition ties the observance to a lunar cycle in Vaishakha; and Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala follow the Margashirsha month instead, reflecting older regional Panchang systems that predate any single national standard.
Panchmukhi Hanuman Statue With Orange Enamel - Gold Plated
Brass Hanuman Idol Blessing in Abhaya Mudra (3.5 Inch)
Where and How Hanuman Was Born
Hanuman was born to Mata Anjana and Kesari on Anjanadri Hill, a site most devotional traditions place in present-day Karnataka's Hampi region, blessed by Vayu Deva, making him Vayu Putra. Scriptures describe him as Chiranjivi, immortal, and still present today, having lived through the Treta Yuga into the present.
How It's Celebrated
- Puja Vidhi: Sindoor Abhishekam, Hanuman Chalisa recitation, and mantra chanting.
- Temple visits: Offerings of sindoor, jaggery, bananas, and laddoos, with aartis and abhishekams.
- Fasting: A vrat on fruits and milk, paired with meditation.
- Satsangs and bhajans: Devotional gatherings celebrating Hanuman's courage and humility.
- Charity: Sharing food, clothing, and essentials with those in need.
Devotees traditionally wear red or orange, colours associated with strength and devotion.
Meditating Lord Hanuman Antique Idol (8 Inch)
What Hanuman's Life Teaches
Hanuman's story centres on a few enduring qualities: unwavering devotion to Rama, physical and inner strength paired with fearlessness, humility despite his power, unshakeable loyalty to dharma, and a wisdom that matched his might. Together, they're why his worship remains one of the most widely practised in India, across every regional calendar that honours him.
Conclusion
Hanuman Jayanti isn't celebrated twice by accident — it's a genuine reflection of India's regional calendar diversity, with North India, Telugu states, and the South each following their own tradition for the same birth. Whichever date applies to you, the observance carries the same intent: seeking Hanuman's strength, protection, and unwavering devotion. Jai Hanuman!
