Arathi

Many people congregate to watch these programmes. Games like wrestling are a common part of this festival. Body-builders and wrestlers assemble at a wrestling field in the morning after praying for blessings from the monkey god. A tilak of orange sindoora from Hanuman's body is applied to their forehead, for it is considered to be auspicious and bestow good luck. 

Wrestling commences with both wrestlers crying 'Jai Hanuman' or 'Hail Hanuman'. The winner is rewarded handsomely on this occasion. Other daring games like balancing an immensely heavy stone on one's chest, and pulling a heavy jeep or car with one's teeth are also popular nowadays. All these events represent the power and strength that Hanuman symbolizes. 

The cult of Hanuman is fairly strong in India and hence Hanuman Jayanthi is an important festival. Hanuman is the symbol of strength and energy. As an unmarried, celibate god, he is especially popular with body-builders, who believe that like him, one needs to be celibate in order to have a strong body. Hanuman is said to be able to assume any form at will, wield rocks, move mountains, dart through the air, seize the clouds and rival Vishnu's bird, Garuda in swiftness off light. He is worshipped in folk tradition as a deity with magical powers and the ability to conquer evil spirits.