On Hanuman Jayanti, the Aakarshan Jan Kalyan Samiti celebrated the fourth anniversary of its Sanskrit Band by organising a remarkable cultural and spiritual endeavour in Bhopal. The event aimed to set a world record for the longest continuous recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa (a revered Hindu devotional hymn) conducted entirely by children. Over 100 participants from across Bhopal chanted the hymn non-stop for 24 hours, symbolising unity, discipline, and reverence for Indian traditions. The samiti successfully organised an akhand (uninterrupted) 24-hour recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa, emphasising collective effort and spiritual dedication.

 

This initiative highlighted the organisation’s commitment to blending cultural heritage with innovative outreach, such as their Sanskrit Band, which promotes traditional language through modern musical formats. In an era where youth are increasingly drawn to mobile gadgets and Western influences, the event sought to reignite pride in India’s rich cultural ethos. The samiti emphasised values like tapasya (austerity), tyag (sacrifice), and purusharth (righteous effort), aiming to instill these virtues in younger generations.

 

The participation of over 100 children underscored the importance of engaging youth in preserving cultural identity. By leading the recitation, they became torchbearers of India’s spiritual legacy. The Hanuman Chalisa, a 40-verse hymn, is not only a devotional practice but also a medium for teaching focus, humility, and resilience. The event merged devotion with a sense of communal achievement. By creating a platform free from digital distractions, the samiti countered the growing disconnect between youth and their heritage, fostering a renewed appreciation for India’s ‘tapobhumi’ (land of penance and wisdom).

 

The record attempt brought together families, educators, and cultural enthusiasts, reinforcing Bhopal’s role as a hub for cultural preservation. The Aakarshan Jan Kalyan Samiti’s initiative stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how tradition and modernity can coexist. By empowering children to lead this effort, the Samiti not only set a world record but also sowed seeds of cultural pride that may inspire future generations to cherish their roots amidst globalisation. Such endeavours are vital to ensuring India’s timeless values continue to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Hanuman Jayanti 2025: Citywide Bhandara initiative in Bhopal:

 

On Hanuman Jayanti, temples across Bhopal reverberated with devotion and service as every Hanuman temple organised grand bhandaras (community feasts) to honour Lord Hanuman’s birth. This sacred tradition, deeply rooted in Hindu culture, saw thousands of devotees and underprivileged individuals partake in free meals, embodying the spirit of seva (selfless service) and compassion. The bhandaras symbolised Hanuman Ji’s virtues of humility and dedication to welfare. Temples served nutritious vegetarian meals, including prasad (blessed food) like laddoos, halwa, and chana-puri, prepared with purity (satvik principles). Volunteers from local communities, including youth, actively participated in cooking, serving, and managing the events, reinforcing collective responsibility. Beyond nourishment, these feasts fostered unity, transcending social and economic barriers.

 

They echoed India’s ethos of (Guest is God) and Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama’s ideals. In a modern era where materialism often overshadows tradition, the bhandaras served as a reminder of India’s spiritual heritage and the importance of community bonding. This citywide initiative not only celebrated faith but also strengthened cultural identity, inspiring younger generations to embrace compassion and inclusivity core tenets of Sanatan Dharma.