West Windsor, NJ: Indo-American Festivals, Inc. (IAF) is set to host its first Grand Hanuman Jayanti Festival on April 12, 2025, at Mercer County Park in West Windsor, New Jersey. Known for organizing the annual Grand Dushahra Festival for over 26 years, IAF now expands its cultural celebrations to honor Lord Hanuman, a revered figure in Hindu mythology.
Key Facts:
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Event Date and Location: April 12, 2025, at Mercer County Park, West Windsor, NJ.
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Highlights: Installation of a 16-foot Hanuman statue, mass recitals of Sundar Kand and Hanuman Chalisa by 251 participants, and a Maha Hanuman Aarti.
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Cultural Activities: Live Hanuman Leela performances, music, dance, a Meena Bazaar with craft stalls, and diverse Indian culinary offerings.
The festival aims to provide an immersive spiritual experience, bringing together thousands of devotees. Attendees can participate in traditional recitals and enjoy cultural showcases that reflect the rich heritage of the Indian community. The Meena Bazaar will feature various craft stalls and a wide array of Indian and ethnic delicacies, adding to the event's vibrancy.
Founded in 1999 by the late Mr. Mangal Gupta, IAF has been instrumental in promoting Indian culture in the United States. Its flagship event, the Grand Dushahra Festival, attracts over 12,000 attendees annually. The 27th edition of this festival is scheduled for October 4, 2025, at Lake Papaianni Park in Edison, New Jersey.
Dinesh Mittal, a representative of IAF, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming event, stating, "We are excited to introduce the Hanuman Jayanti Festival to our community, offering a new platform to celebrate our traditions and foster unity."
The introduction of the Hanuman Jayanti Festival signifies IAF's commitment to enriching cultural and spiritual ties within the Indo-American community. By celebrating Lord Hanuman's legacy, the festival seeks to strengthen communal bonds and preserve cultural heritage among Indian Americans.
For sponsorships, stall bookings, or further details, interested individuals can contact Dinesh Mittal at 908-705-6365 or Shalini Chhabra at 732-444-8381. More information is available at www.dushahra.com or www.hanumaanjayanti.com.
Do You Know? The Hanuman Chalisa, a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, consists of 40 verses and is recited to invoke strength, courage, and wisdom.
Key Terms:
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Hanuman Jayanti: A Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman, symbolizing strength, devotion, and energy.
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Sundar Kand: The fifth book of the Hindu epic Ramayana, detailing Hanuman's adventures.
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Hanuman Chalisa: A 40-verse devotional hymn praising Lord Hanuman, composed by poet Tulsidas.