Hanuman Swaroop: A Unique Dussehra Tradition of Panipat
Dussehra is celebrated with immense devotion and excitement across India. While cities like Kolkata, Mysore, and Cuttack are famous for their grand celebrations, Gujarat is known for its garba and dandiya nights, North Indians invite the Goddess into their homes through Jagrata and Kanjika bhojan and organise Ram Leela performances, there Panipat has preserved a unique tradition that turns the festival into a form of penance - the tradition of Hanuman Sabha.
What distinguishes Panipat from the rest of India is that instead of paying a tribute to a form of Shakti, the divine feminine of Hinduism or to Shri Ram’s victory over demon Ravan, Panipat celebrates the devotion and power of Lord Hanuman.
In Panipat, men dress up as Lord Hanuman, becoming Hanuman Swaroop during Dussehra. This transformation is not merely a performance but an act of devotion, one that requires immense mental and physical discipline. The journey to become Hanuman Swaroop involves a strict 41-day vow of celibacy, intense prayer, and dedication.
To embody Lord Hanuman is not as simple as wearing a costume. The devotees must purify their mind and body through strict adherence to ritual and customs. For 41 days, these men live away from their families, practising celibacy and staying in temples or rented homes. During this period, they avoid salted food, walk barefoot, sleep on the ground, and avoid touching or coming into contact with any woman. They commission Mukut (crown) of Lord Hanuman, which normally weighs 15-20 Kilos, bring it to their place of stay with great pomp and show and worship it four times a day. Some people follow this ritual for the entire 41 days, while some follow it for the last 11 days.
This practice is deeply spiritual and reflective of the devotees’ commitment to Brahmacharya (celibacy) and self-restraint. It’s believed that only by this purification can they truly embody the spirit of Hanuman.
From Ashtami (the eighth day of Navratri), these devotees take on the full form of Hanuman. They tie ghungroos (ankle bells) to their feet, cover their bodies with sindoor (vermilion), and wear the imposing crown. This heavy adornment symbolises the weight of responsibility they now bear as they become living incarnations of Hanuman, blessing the people of Panipat.
For the next few days, they roam the streets, blessing people, dancing with elation while chanting "Jai Shree Ram" and "Jai Hanuman". Their presence fills the city with spiritual energy, and the chants of devotion and beats of drums echo through the streets all night long. Even children join in this tradition,becoming little adorable versions of Hanuman Swaroop, fondly called Banar Sena (army of apes that fought for Shri Ram).
The residents of Panipat invite the Hanuman Swaroop and their entourage to their homes. They do their aarti, offer bhog, take blessings and dance and celebrate with them.
A Tradition Rooted in History
This unique practice is said to have been brought to Panipat by the Laiyya community after Partition. For them, this tradition became a way to build identity and find solace in a time of displacement. Over the years, the practice has become synonymous with Panipat’s Dussehra, deeply embedded in the city’s cultural fabric.
Dussehra Beyond Hanuman Swaroop
The celebrations in Panipat don’t stop with Hanuman Swaroop. The city also hosts vibrant Ram Leela performances, reenacting the epic battle between Lord Ram and Ravan. On Dussehra day, effigies of Ravan, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran are set ablaze, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The air is thick with excitement and devotion, as people gather to witness these powerful moments.
Following the victory of Ram, the festival culminates in Bharat Milap, a celebration of the reunion between Ram and his brother Bharat, symbolising love, loyalty, and devotion. This heartwarming event brings the grand festivities to a close, leaving behind a message of unity and righteousness.
Panipat’s Hanuman Sabha reminds us of the power of tradition, devotion, and discipline in today's fast-paced world. The practice of becoming Hanuman Swaroop—a fusion of spiritual devotion and physical endurance—is a rare sight that preserves the essence of Dussehra in its purest form.
If you’ve ever had the chance to witness this unique Dussehra celebration, you’ll know it’s more than just a festival. It’s a reflection of faith, sacrifice, and the timeless connection between humans and their gods.
How do you celebrate Dussehra in your hometown? Let me know in the comments!
