Hanuman Jayanti Celebrations: Processions, Rituals And Devotion Fill the City

Nagpur: Devotion and vibrant cultural expression marked Hanuman Jayanti celebrations on Saturday as grand shobhayatras from temples drew crowds.

From early morning rituals at temples to large-scale prasad distribution and cultural tableaux in the evening, the city echoed with chants of ‘Jai Hanuman'.

The day began with symbolic rituals at 6am in temples across Nagpur, aligning with the city's sunrise time. Devotees celebrated the divine birth of Lord Hanuman with Abhishek, Hanuman Chalisa recitations, Sundarkand path, and kirtan sessions. Throughout the day, prasad distribution was held in various parts of the city — from temple premises to street corners — with meals and refreshments being served till late evening.

One of the most anticipated events was the shobhayatra from Rajabaksha Hanuman Mandir in South Nagpur, which commenced around 5.30pm. The procession featured over 50 tableaus, showcasing religious themes and social messages. The route passed through Ram Bagh Colony, Medical Chowk, Reshimbagh, Dr Hedgewar Memorial, Ayodhya Nagar, Chandramani Nagar, and Ajni, attracting thousands of devotees lining the streets. Various cultural and spiritual performances accompanied the floats.

Gittikhadan Hanuman Mandir hosted a magnificent shobhayatra with 40 attractive tableaus. The event began with a ceremonial puja of Hanuman, Lord Ram, and other idols by West Nagpur MLA Vikas Thakre, held in the temple premises. The procession included a skating team, live kirtans, depictions of Mata Tulja Bhavani, Jijau Mata, Shivaji Maharaj, and even a visually striking portrayal of Bahubali Hanuman and Gujarat's Kashtabhanjan Hanumanji, all of which captivated the public.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari visited Shri Hanuman Mandir Sansthan at Jamsavli, Pandhurna (MP), with his family to attend the Hanuman Janmotsav and perform darshan and puja of Lord Hanuman on the auspicious occasion.

Hanuman temples across Nagpur — from Ramana Maruti, Mahal, Giripeth, Besa to Old Bhandara Road — hosted bhajan sandhyas, blood donation camps, health check-ups, and devotional discourses. The 51-foot saffron "Manokamna Dhwaj", unfurled at Sankatmochan Mandir, Old Bhandara Road, became another spiritual highlight.