Self-Instruct
Hanuman Jayanti and Janmotsav are two important Hindu festivals celebrated to honor Lord Hanuman, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. While both these festivals commemorate the birth of Lord Hanuman, there are some significant differences that set them apart from each other.
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the Shukla Paksha (bright phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Chaitra. This corresponds to the month of April as per the Gregorian calendar. On this day, devotees offer prayers, perform puja, and fast to seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman. The Hanuman Chalisa, a famous hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is recited by the devotees. Processions and cultural events are also organized across different parts of India.
Janmotsav, on the other hand, is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Chaitra. This corresponds to the month of March or April as per the Gregorian calendar. Janmotsav marks the actual birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman and is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. People organize feasts, offer special prayers, and perform religious rituals to worship Lord Hanuman on this day.
Now, let us delve into the differences between Hanuman Jayanti and Janmotsav in greater detail.
1. Significance: Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the day when Lord Hanuman was born. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva and was born to Anjana and Kesari, two apsaras (heavenly nymphs) who were cursed to be born as monkeys on earth. Lord Hanuman played a significant role in the epic Ramayana and is revered as a symbol of strength, devotion, and loyalty. Janmotsav, on the other hand, is celebrated as the actual birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman. It is believed that Lord Hanuman was born on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Chaitra, and hence, devotees celebrate Janmotsav to honor his birth.
2. Date of celebration: Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Chaitra. This date may vary from year to year as it follows the lunar calendar. Janmotsav, on the other hand, is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Chaitra, which usually falls in March or April.
3. Religious observances: Hanuman Jayanti is marked by religious observances such as fasting, offering prayers, and performing puja. Devotees visit temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman and offer flowers, sweets, and fruits to seek his blessings. The Hanuman Chalisa, a hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is recited throughout the day, and processions are held in various parts of India. Janmotsav, on the other hand, is celebrated with greater fervor and enthusiasm. Devotees perform elaborate religious rituals, including abhishekam (pouring of holy water), aarti (offering of light), and havan (fire ritual), to worship Lord Hanuman. Feasts are organized, and prasad (holy food) is distributed among the devotees.
4. Cultural events: Hanuman Jayanti is marked by cultural events such as bhajan-kirtan (devotional songs), plays, and processions. In many places, people dress up as Lord Hanuman and perform skits and plays depicting his life and his devotion to Lord Rama. Janmotsav, on the other hand, is celebrated with greater pomp and splendor. People organize fairs, processions, and cultural events such as dance, music, and drama. In some parts of India, devotees take out huge processions with beautifully decorated chariots carrying the idol of Lord Hanuman.
5. Regional differences: Hanuman Jayanti and Janmotsav are celebrated with different rituals and customs in different parts of India. In some regions, such as Maharashtra and Gujarat, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with greater pomp and show. Special puja and rituals are performed, and devotees offer sweets and fruits as a mark of respect. In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated in a grand way with processions, dance, and drama. Similarly, Janmotsav is celebrated with different customs and rituals in different parts of India. In North India, it is celebrated with great fervor, and people organize fairs and cultural events. In South India, the celebration is more subdued, and people offer prayers and perform puja at home.
In conclusion, Hanuman Jayanti and Janmotsav are two important Hindu festivals celebrated to honor Lord Hanuman, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. While both these festivals commemorate the birth of Lord Hanuman, they differ in terms of their significance, date of celebration, religious observances, cultural events, and regional differences. Devotees celebrate these festivals with great reverence and devotion, seeking the blessings of Lord Hanuman in their daily lives.