Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) [India]: In a grand celebration of Hanuman Jayanti, the Pachmatha temple in Jabalpur has unveiled a unique Maha Thali featuring 56 traditional Indian dishes and a colossal 5,000-kilogram laddu as offerings to Lord Hanuman.
Mahabali's 'Maha Thali': 56 types grand feasts from Kashmir to Kanyakumari on Hanuman Jayanti
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The Hanuman Mandir Seva Samiti and Mahila Mandal are commemorating the temple’s silver jubilee with a spectacular three-day event. The Maha Thali embodies the essence of “unity in diversity,” presenting delicacies from different parts of India on one divine platter.
Among the offerings are dry fruits from Kashmir, fafda-jalebi and dhokla from Gujarat, layiya from Uttar Pradesh, Banarasi paan and lassi, bel sharbat, and Bihar’s beloved litti-chokha.
“It’s Hanuman ji’s strength that reminds us who we are. Just like he found his purpose by walking with Lord Ram, we too can understand and express our Hindu identity by staying connected to his (Hanuman Ji) spirit,” said Jagadguru Raghav Devacharya while speaking to ANI.
Shraddha, one of the devotees who participated in preparing the offerings, highlighted the cultural significance of the feast.
“This plate brings together dishes from every corner of the country,” she said. “From Kashmir, we’ve included dry fruits, from Gujarat, there are fafda, jalebi, and dhokla. Uttar Pradesh has sent layiya, Banaras has its famous paan, lassi, and bel sharbat, and Bihar’s litti chokha is also part of the thali. Every item has been prepared with love.”
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Chaitra, also known as Chaitra Poornima. The day marks the birth of Lord Hanuman and is observed with fasting, special prayers, and devotional chanting by followers around the world.
Devotees often recite Hanuman Mantras and engage in acts of devotion to honor Lord Hanuman, also known as Sankatmochan, and seek strength, protection, and spiritual guidance.