10 Traditional Foods to Eat on Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, the Hindu god known for his strength, devotion and selfless service. It is an important festival for devotees of Lord Hanuman. On this auspicious occasion, people visit temples, apply sindoor on the Hanuman idols, offer prayers and flowers, chant Hanuman Chalisa and partake in community feasts. Special traditional foods are cooked for the bhandara or community meal on this day. Here are 10 traditional foods you should eat on Hanuman Jayanti.

Sundal

Sundal is a popular South Indian temple prasadam made with boiled chickpeas seasoned with mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, grated coconut and ginger. Protein-rich and fiber-filled chickpeas are believed to be a favorite of Lord Hanuman. Sundal makes for an excellent prasadam to distribute on Hanuman Jayanti.

Banana Offering

Bananas, especially red bananas, are offered to Lord Hanuman on his birthday. It is believed Hanuman’s mother Anjani once offered bananas to a meditating saint which blessed Hanuman with strength and vigor. Bananas in any form are great to include in prasadam or bhandara meals on Hanuman Jayanti.

Besan Laddoo

Sweet and simple besan laddoos make for a satisfying prasadam to bless devotees on Hanuman Jayanti. To make it, roast gram flour in ghee and combine it with powdered jaggery or sugar. Shape small balls and enjoy this energizing treat. For added flavor and nutrition, add powdered dried fruits and nuts.

Puran Poli

Puran poli is a sweet flatbread stuffed with a hearty lentil and jaggery filling. It is a Maharashtrian dish that makes for a delicious community meal for Hanuman Jayanti. The combination of protein and fiber keeps you full. Puran poli is often offered as prasadam along with a dollop of ghee.

Panchamrit or Charanamrit

Panchamrit is the holy offering prepared for Lord Hanuman on his birthday. It contains five ingredients – milk, yogurt, ghee, honey and sugar. Offer devotees this sanctified food as prasadam. You can also prepare charanamrit by mixing milk, sugar, honey and tulsi leaves and offer it as the Lord’s blessed food.

Bottle Gourd Halwa

Bottle gourd is known as Hanuman’s favorite vegetable. Kushmanda or bottle gourd halwa is made by cooking grated bottle gourd with milk, sugar and nuts like almonds and raisins. This simple, delightful halwa is a must-have prasadam on Hanuman Jayanti. It has a melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Ratalu or Yam

According to legends, Lord Hanuman was very fond of ratalu or yams. Jaggery roasted yam makes for a delicious snack. You can also make ratalu kosambari, a salad with grated yams, cucumber, grated coconut and mild spices. Include yams on the menu for Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.

Panakam

Panakam is a lightly spiced jaggery-based drink offered as prasadam in South Indian temples. As it provides instant energy, prevents dehydration and aids digestion, panakam is perfect to serve on Hanuman Jayanti after fasting for the morning puja. You can also add banana, lemon juice or cardamom to enhance the flavors.

Fletcher’s Custard

An interesting colonial era addition to Hanuman Jayanti celebrations is Fletcher’s custard! This eggless frozen custard with vanilla essence is a huge hit. The chilled treat is a great way to beat the summer heat as you celebrate Lord Hanuman’s birthday. Include small cups of Fletcher’s custard in your prasadam handouts.

Pakodas

No traditional festival feast is complete without crispy pakodas! Chana dal pakodas, bread pakodas, paneer pakodas and banana bhajji are some popular fried snacks offered for Hanuman Jayanti. They make for quick, tasty bites that are sure to please people of all ages. Hanuman Jayanti calls for a feast and pakodas are a must-have item on the menu.

Conclusion:

Honor Lord Hanuman on his birthday by cooking his favorite foods and preparing prasadams with traditional ingredients like banana, yam, bottle gourd and chickpeas. From sweets like laddoos to savories like pakodas to drinks like panakam, include a variety of items that are considered dear to Hanuman. Offer devotees these prasadams to seek Lord Hanuman’s blessings on his Jayanti. Have a happy and prosperous celebration!

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