Hanuman Jayanti, a revered Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman, reverberated with unparalleled joy and fervour not only in India but across the globe, including the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand, on Tuesday, April 23. A cultural extravaganza deeply rooted in Indian tradition, the festival has transcended geographical boundaries, embracing devotees of all backgrounds and nationalities.
In New Zealand, the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations started at many temples in early hours and the chant of Hanuman Bhajans and sacred hymns went on till 12 noon when the birth of Lord Hanuman takes place. Many devotees at New Zealand’s oldest temple, Bharatiya Mandir gathered to greet their Lord on this auspicious occasion. Reports of Hanuman Jayanti celebrations are coming from many temples in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch resonate with the chants of “Jai Hanuman!”.
The festivities commence with the break of dawn, as temples adorned with marigold garlands and aromatic incense welcome throngs of devotees eager to participate in the rituals. The air is filled with the melodious tunes of bhajans and the rhythmic beats of drums, creating an ambiance brimming with spirituality and enthusiasm. Special prayers and hymns dedicated to Lord Hanuman echo throughout the day, narrating tales of his valour and unwavering loyalty to Lord Rama.
One of the highlights of Hanuman Jayanti celebration at Bharatiya Mandir was the offering of 51 Kg Laddoo to the Lord by a devotee Ravi Dwivedi, who is offering the Laddoo to Lord Hanuman on this day for many years. The Mandir priests performed the Hanuman pooja and Maha Aarti at 12 noon at the birth of Lord Hanuman. A grand feast was offered to all devotees coming to Mandir on this occasion. Despite being a working day a large number of devotees took part in the festivities. Community feasts known as “prasad” are organized, where devotees come together to partake in sumptuous meals prepared with utmost devotion and offered to Lord Hanuman before distribution. This communal dining experience fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie, transcending cultural barriers and fostering bonds of friendship among participants.
Beyond New Zealand, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with equal fervour worldwide, testament to the enduring legacy of Lord Hanuman and his universal appeal. In countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and beyond, temples and community centres host elaborate festivities drawing devotees.
In India, the festival assumes an even grander scale, with millions of devotees thronging temples and undertaking pilgrimages to sacred sites associated with the deity. The iconic Hanuman temples in cities like Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Hampi witness an influx of devotees offering prayers and seeking blessings for strength, courage, and protection.
Hanuman Jayanti serves as a platform for spreading the message of love, compassion, and selflessness embodied by Lord Hanuman. Through charitable initiatives such as food distribution, blood donation drives, and community service projects, devotees seek to emulate the noble qualities of their beloved deity and make a positive impact on society.
Hanuman Jayanti transcends religious boundaries, uniting people in a shared reverence for a divine figure revered for his strength, devotion, and unwavering loyalty. Whether in the serene landscapes of New Zealand or bustling metropolises around the world, the festival serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding humanity of the timeless virtues that transcend time and space. -TIN Bureau