Devotees across Trinidad and Tobago are marking Hanuman Jayanti.
The five-day celebration on the Hindu calendar honours the birth of Lord Hanuman.
The Dattatreya Mandir in Carapichaima, home to the towering 85-foot Hanuman murti, is the most prominent temple in Trinidad and Tobago for their celebration of the Hanuman Jayanti.
At the temple, the leadership initiated the five-day festival as a testament of devotion and a commitment toward fellow devotees across the country.
Event Coordinator Anisa Khan told TTT News, “We have created this festival in dedication of all the Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago. We have also created this festival, the Ram Lalla Victory Fest.”
Scores of worshippers made the pilgrimage to the temple to observe the auspicious religious celebration.
The murti, one of the tallest of its kind outside India, symbolises a pillar of strength to the faithful.
President of the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre Ramesh Persad Maharaj explained more about the festival: “Hanuman Jayanti is the birth of Lord Hanuman, who is the most faithful servant of Lord Rama, God. So, Lord Hanuman has been vested by Lord Rama with many powers. Powers to heal, powers to protect, powers to give strength and courage and determination in anything the devotee does.”
Devotees observe the day with special pujas, the chanting of what is known as the Hanuman Chalisa, sacred readings from the Ramayana, and by making offerings of parsadam, money, flowers and even sweets. Families come together to offer devotion, to learn about and reflect upon the virtues of Hanuman and to seek blessings.
“It’s a day also they pray for their wishes to be fulfilled. So, it is an important day for students, for people who are working, for married couples, for everybody to pray for what they want. It is believed that Lord Hanuman grants and fulfils their desires.”
Rooted in centuries-old tradition, Hanuman Jayanti is one of the many observances that reflect the depth of cultural and religious diversity in Trinidad and Tobago.