Lucknow – The two-day grand Shri Ram Hanumat Mahotsav, organized by the Hanumat Seva Samiti, concluded at Balrampur Garden, Ashok Marg. The second and final day of the event, which commenced featured a variety of attractions including a ‘Chappan Bhog’ (a feast of 56 dishes), recitation of Hanuman Chalisa, poetic presentations, a tableau of Hanuman Maharaj, devotional songs, and a captivating Ganga Aarti reminiscent of Varanasi.
In a unique offering, devotees for the first time wrote “Jai Shri Ram” on peepal leaves with sandalwood and roli (vermilion) and reverently presented them to Hanuman Maharaj, believing it to be a remedy for their problems. A vibrant peacock-themed Rangoli, created for the worship, was also a visual delight.
The Ram Darbar (Lord Rama’s court) adorned with natural flower decorations was particularly appreciated by the visitors. The selfie point featuring an eight-foot-tall, dark-hued statue of Hanuman Ji became a center of devotion and faith. Meanwhile, an exhibition from the collection of Krishna Kumar Chaurasia, who holds records in the Limca Book of Records and the Golden Book of World Records, garnered special interest from attendees. His collection showcased over forty thousand pictures, idols, coins, paintings, and books dedicated to Hanuman Maharaj.
The proceedings on began with Mangalacharan (auspicious invocation), followed by a melodious collective recitation of Hanuman Chalisa by the renowned Hanumat devotee Rajni Singh and her group. Subsequently, Dr. Anand Tripathi, an ardent devotee of Hanuman and the author of “Hanumat Maniratnam,” delivered a discourse on “Hanumatah Charitra” (the character of Hanuman) and presented soulful poetry. In his address, he explained that Hanuman Maharaj did not annihilate all demons because he was an unwavering devotee of Lord Rama, and he fulfilled his duties ethically while upholding decorum. He also sang a touching bhajan (devotional song), “Mita Denge Sab Dukh Mere Ek Hanumat, Kabhi Peeda Apni Bata Ke To Dekh” (One Hanuman can erase all my sorrows, just try telling him your pain).
The chief guest of the Shri Ram Hanumat Mahotsav was MLC Dr. Mahendra Singh. An felicitation ceremony was also held on this occasion, honoring individuals from various fields including Dr. Kiran Lata Dangwal, Co-Professor at Lucknow University (education); Monika Sinha, founder of Hanumat Dham Temple (spirituality); Advocate Ranjana Agnihotri (cow service); Professor Dr. K.K. Singh of KGMC (medicine); Dr. Sandeep Agarwal, manager of Krishna Hospital (medicine); Kamlesh Kumar Pathak, program in-charge of Uttar Pradesh Culture Department (culture); Ram Manohar Kushwaha, President of Uttar Pradesh X-Ray Technician Union (employee service); G.K. Seth (social service); and Rakesh Kumar Sharma (social service), among others.
A heartfelt tribute was paid to the late Sunil Gomber, a devoted follower of Hanuman. Renowned Hanuman Swaroop (one who embodies Hanuman) Jitendra Bajrangi from Prayagraj presented a captivating dance on the Hanuman bhajan “Jhoom Jhoom Nache Dekho Bhakt Hanumana” (Look how the devotee of Hanuman dances ecstatically). Devotees themselves joined in the joyous dancing. Prominent bhajan singer Omkar Shankdhar enthralled the audience with his renditions of “Sankat Mochan Sharan Tihari Aaye Jo, Sab Kashton Se Swayam Paar Ho Jaaye Wo” (Whoever comes to the refuge of the remover of obstacles is automatically freed from all troubles), “Pawan Putra Hanuman Ram Ke Bhakt Nirale, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Vipatti Harne Wale” (The son of the wind god, Hanuman, is a unique devotee of Ram, the remover of obstacles and reliever of distress), and “Cheer Ke Chhati Bole Apni Pawan Putra Hanuman, Mere Man Mein Base Hain Ram, Mere Tan Mein Base Hain Ram” (Tearing open his chest, Hanuman, the son of the wind god, says, Ram resides in my heart, Ram resides in my body). The devotional singing moved the devotees to a state of spiritual ecstasy.
As part of the rituals, the ‘Chappan Bhog’ was offered. The grand finale of the Mahotsav was the world-famous Ganga Aarti, performed with traditional rituals reminiscent of the ghats of Varanasi. Media in-charge Sanjay Mehrotra informed that visitors also partook in the divine Hanumat Bhandara (community feast) on this occasion.
