2019 Hanuman Puja date and time on Diwali for Lancaster, California, United States

2019 Hanuman Puja

A day before Diwali Puja, Hanuman Puja is performed in some parts of India especially in Gujarat. The very same day is observed as Shri Hanuman Jayanti at Hanumangarhi (हनुमानगढ़ी) temple in Ayodhya. However most of the people in North India celebrate Hanuman Jayanti on Chaitra Purnima.

The day of Hanuman Puja coincides with the day of Kali Chaudas. It is believed that the bad spirits are most powerful during the night of Kali Chaudas. Lord Hanuman, who gives strength to fight evil spirits, is worshipped to seek strength, power and the protection from all sorts of bad spirits.

According to another legend, Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating demon Ravana and completing His fourteen years of exile. The devotion and dedication of Hanuman pleased Shri Rama so much that He blessed Hanuman for getting worshipped before Him. Hence people worship God Hanuman a day before Diwali celebrations.

Hanuman Janmotsava Puja Vidhi

In this Vrat, the currently prevailing Ratrivyapini Tithi should be observed. If it falls on two days, then the Vrat should be observed on the second day. For observing Hanuman Jayanti Vrat, the observer should, on the night of Dhantrayodashi, remember Lord Rama, Mata Janaki, and Hanuman Ji, and sleep on the ground. Thereafter, on Chaturdashi, one should wake up before Arunoday, again remember Shri Rama-Janaki and Hanuman Ji, and complete the morning ablutions and daily rituals. Then, taking water in hand, one should take the following Sankalpa -

After taking the above Sankalpa, one should sit facing east or north in front of the already established idol of Hanuman Ji and respectfully recite the following prayer -

Thereafter, one should perform the Shodashopachara Puja of Hanuman Ji. If a river is nearby, then bathe Him with its water; otherwise, bathe Him with well water mixed with sacred water. Adorn Him with a red Kaupina and Pitambara. Apply saffron-mixed sandal paste, offer a Yajnopavita made of Munja grass, and offer flowers such as Shatapatra (Hajara), Ketaki, Kaner, and other yellow-colored flowers. After that, light incense of Agar, Tagar, etc., and a Diya with a wick soaked in cow Ghee. In Naivedya, offer Ghritapakva, that is, Apupa (Pua) prepared in Ghee, or Modaka made by roasting flour in Ghee and mixing it with jaggery, along with fruits such as banana. -

After the above prayer, distribute Prasada and, according to one's capacity, organize Brahman Bhoj and then partake of food oneself. At night, remain awake by performing Deepavali, Stotra recitation, singing, musical performances, and Sankirtana. To understand the significance of the Vrat, recite or listen to the Hanuman Jayanti Vrat Katha.

If the Vrat is to be performed for the fulfillment of a specific desire, then on Margashirsha Shukla Trayodashi, after completing morning rituals, prepare a Vedi and make 13 lotus shapes using Akshata-Punja. Install a water-filled, worshipped Kalasha upon them. On top of it, place a yellow cloth, and upon the 13 lotus shapes, place a Pita Sutra, that is, yellow thread of nine strands with 13 knots, that is, a yellow sacred thread. Thereafter, worship the Vedi and perform the Puja, Japa, Dhyana, and Upasana of Hanuman Ji according to the above procedures or prescribed procedure. After feeding Brahmanas, complete the Vrat by taking food.

In this manner, by observing the Hanuman Jayanti Vrat with devotion, all desired wishes of the observer are fulfilled, and all kinds of known and unknown difficulties are removed.