What is Hanuman Jayanti and how is it observed?

Hanuman’s birth is celebrated annually on the festival Hanuman Jayanti. In northern India it is typically celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month Chaitra (March–April), although dates for Hanuman’s birthday vary across southern Indian states. In some regions there is a tradition of celebrating Hanuman Jayanti or Hanuman Puja on the 14th day of the dark lunar fortnight of the month Karttika (October–November), the day prior to Diwali. Devotees typically celebrate Hanuman Jayanti by fasting, visiting temples and offering puja, and singing songs and reciting prayers. Some devotees attend recitations of the Sundarakanda, Book V of the Ramayana, in which Hanuman is the main hero.