For the love of Hanuman

The annual 10-day Langur Mela in Amritsar during Navratri is unique for the children who visit the ancient Bada Hanuman temple dressed as langurs.

A Hanuman Sena, or army, dancing to drumbeats on its way to the temple.

A devotee puts on a mask believed to be more than 400 years old as they prepare to dress in the guise of Lord Hanuman's Sena (army) during the ongoing Langur Mela or Langur festival during Navratri festival in Amritsar, India. FL04_Langur Mela 026

Playing Hanuman with a heavy mace while dancing to the beat.

The idol at the Bada Hanuman temple, in a resting position, only one of three places in India where Hanuman can be seen in this position.

Some of the dholis (drummers) hired by parents of the young Langurs to follow them during the course of the mela.

Dancing to the drumbeat on papa’s shoulders. It is mainly boys, from infants to teenagers, and in some cases a few years older as well, who dress up as Langurs for the festival.

A make-up session of the Bajrangi Sena before it sets out to the various temples in the area.

The Bajrangi Sena on the move in full regalia and to the accompaniment of percussion beats just before entering the main temple and the sanctum.

Outside the temple, devotees on their way to perform rituals.

A Parents believe that if their children pray at the temple during Navratri dressed as langurs they will have Hanuman’s blessings for the rest of their lives..

Two young Langurs with a Bajrangi at the Bada Hanuman temple.

A woman shops for a Dhwaja (flag) of Lord Hanuman from a shop outside the Bada Hanuman temple to pay obeisance during the ongoing Langur Mela or Langur festival during Navratri festival in Amritsar, India. FL04_Langur Mela 026

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A child dressed in the guise of a Langur is helped by his relative to ring the temple bell as they visit to pay obeisance at the Bada Hanuman temple during the ongoing Langur Mela or Langur festival during Navratri festival in Amritsar, India. FL04_Langur Mela 026