New Delhi/ Lucknow, Apr 2 (PTI) Hanuman Janmotsav passed off peacefully in the national capital amid tight security while the streets of neighbouring Uttar Pradesh came alive on Thursday with vibrant celebrations as devotees thronged temples to celebrate Lord Hanuman’s birth anniversary.

From bustling Lucknow to the spiritually rich Ayodhya and Varanasi, long queues of worshippers participating in the festivities filled the Hanuman temples in UP.

Several leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and chief ministers of UP, Delhi and Andhra Pradesh greeted people on the occasion.

The Delhi Police was on high alert as several Hindu organisations held processions in Uttam Nagar and Jahangirpuri to celebrate Hanuman Janmotsav. It heaved a sigh of relief as the processions passed off peacefully.

Heavy security forces were deployed in both areas to maintain law and order, according to a senior police officer.

In Uttam Nagar, the heightened arrangements came in the backdrop of the March 4 murder of a 26-year-old man in the area following a clash between his family and their neighbours in JJ Colony during Holi celebrations.

The violence broke out after water from a balloon thrown by a girl from Tarun’s family splashed on a woman from the neighbouring household. Sixteen people, including two minors, were arrested.

Earlier, the Delhi Police also carried out an intensive flag march and bike patrolling exercise across the northwest district ahead of Hanuman Janmotsav, an officer said. Officials added that an Aman Committee meeting was held in Jahangirpuri to ensure communal harmony ahead of the festival, in view of the 2022 violence in the area during a Hanuman Janmotsav procession, when several people, including police personnel, were injured in stone-pelting and arson incidents.

In Lucknow, long lines of worshippers were witnessed at temples in Aliganj and at Hanuman Setu. In Varanasi, special prayers and rituals were held throughout the city.

Vishwambhar Nath Mishra, the mahant of the renowned Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple, announced a 10-day festival at the temple.

To mark Chaitra Shukla Purnima, special adornments (shringar), processions (jhankis), aarti, and rituals dedicated to Lord Hanuman were performed.

Devotional singing will continue throughout the night at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple premises, and a Ramayana conference is scheduled from April 3 to 5, where noted scholars from Kashi and other regions will deliver daily discourses at 5 pm, he said.

A massive ‘dhwaj yatra’ (flag procession) is being organised by devotees from the Bhikharipur area of the city. It will feature tableaux from seven states and around one lakh flags prepared for the event. Devotees, many of whom will walk barefoot, will carry the flags to the Sankat Mochan temple to offer them to Lord Hanuman, he added.

In Ayodhya, about two lakh devotees lined up for ‘darshan’ and worship, with queues stretching from the Ram temple to Hanumangarhi. To manage the massive crowd, the administration implemented extensive security arrangements, including barricading at various points to ensure smooth and orderly darshan for the devotees. Several leaders wished devotees on the auspicious day.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “Heartfelt wishes to all fellow citizens on the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Janmotsav. May this sacred occasion bring renewed energy and vitality into everyone’s life.

“It is my sincere wish that Pawanputra Hanuman blesses everyone abundantly with strength, wisdom, and knowledge, thereby further enhancing the nation’s capabilities. Jai Bajrangbali!” In another post, PM Modi said Lord Hanuman is the “unparalleled symbol of devotion, strength and unwavering dedication”.

“May the grace of the mighty infuse courage and positivity into all his devotees,” he added.

Home Minister Amit Shah prayed to Lord Hanuman to bestow upon “fellow citizens” happiness, peace and prosperity.

“Heartfelt greetings to all fellow citizens on the occasion of Shri Hanuman Janmotsav! May Lord Bajrangbali, the unparalleled devotee of Lord Shri Ram and the symbol of valour, devotion and service, remove the troubles of all fellow citizens and bestow upon them happiness, peace, and prosperity. Jai Shri Ram!” he wrote on X.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also wished people on the occasion.

In a post on X, he wrote, “Heartfelt congratulations and boundless best wishes to all devotees and residents of the state on the auspicious occasion of ‘Shri Hanuman Janmotsav’—the birth day of Shri Hanuman Ji, the ‘Sankatmochan’ (Remover of Troubles) and the unwavering devotee of Lord Shri Ram.” Delhi CM Rekha Gupta offered prayers at the Hanuman temple in Karol Bagh “for the happiness, peace and prosperity of every family in Delhi”.

“Hanuman Ji’s unwavering devotion and selfless service to Lord Shri Ram and unparalleled valour are the highest ideals of Sanatan life values. His life teaches us that when the remembrance of Ram resides in the heart, every crisis dissipates on its own,” she wrote on X.

Extending Hanuman Janmotsav greetings to the people, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu described Lord Hanuman as the supreme devotee of Lord Rama and a symbol of immense strength, wisdom and courage. He said devotees believe worshipping Lord Hanuman removes fear, grants courage and good health, and alleviates difficulties, wishing that the Lord fills lives with light.

Hanuman Janmotsav also saw Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor’s first look as Lord Rama from producer Namit Malhotra’s “Ramayana” getting unveiled.

The makers of one of the most ambitious cinematic events in the history of Indian cinema released a two-minute-38-second teaser titled ‘Rama’ on the occasion, offering audiences their first glimpse into Lord Rama’s world, from the battlefields to the grand palaces and dense forests, with Kapoor donning royal robes adorned with heavy gold jewellery as the king and warrior of Ayodhya.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, best known for “Dangal” and “Chhichhore”, the film has been seven years in the making. PTI TEAM KSS KSS