Ayodhya (U.P), Oct.17 Large number of devotees thronged Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya city on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti or birthday of Lord Hanuman on Friday.

The celebrations of Hanuman Jayanti held at midnight were organized in a big way at the popular Hanuman Garhi Temple. The occasion drew numerous devotees as they worshipped the temple's main deity Lord Hanuman, who is decorated with diamonds and other ornaments on this occasion every year.

"Hanuman Ji is decorated in an extraordinary way. When his birth anniversary is celebrated at 12 midnight, he is decorated with diamonds and other ornaments," said Mahant Gyandash Das, Priest, Hanuman Garhi Temple in Ayodhya in the evening.

On Friday night, devotees from across Uttar Pradesh thronged the temple to celebrate the birthday of Lord Hanuman with gaiety.

"During the festival of Diwali, today birth anniversary of Hanuman is to be celebrated. The whole Ayodhya town is filled with ecstasy and people are celebrating his birth anniversary with enthusiasm," said a devotee.

Diwali, the festival of lights is being celebrated across the country on Saturday (Oct.17). Meanwhile, the celebrations of the Lord Hanuman's birth anniversary was organised on the eve of Chaturdashi as per Hindu almanac.

In Hindu epic Ramayana, Hanumana helped his master Lord Rama to kill the demon king Ravana. Hanuman is worshipped for his unflinching loyalty to Lord King Rama and his consort, Sita. By Amit Kanojia (ANI)