Varanasi/Ayodhya, Apr 9 : Devotees in Uttar Pradesh took out colourful procession and visited temples on Thursday on the occasion of the birthday of Lord Hanuman.

In Varanasi, a huge procession was taken out in which thousands of devotees took part. They danced on the streets to the tunes of traditional drums.

The procession, which began nine days ago, concluded on Thursday. The purpose of the procession was to spread the message of anti-terrorism among the people.

"We pray to god to grant them good sense so that they acquire a sense of love and peace for people around them. This is the purpose of this procession and for the last nine years, it is being organised every year," said Kaushal Sharma, organiser of the procession.

At the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya, devotees celebrated Hanuman Jayanti with gaiety. They visited the temple of Shri Kaleram.

As per the tradition, the devotees applied colours on each other to celebrate the occasion.

"On this occasion, devotees visit the Temple of ''Lord Kaleram'' from all over India to get their wishes fulfilled," said Abhayraj Yadav, a devotee.

In Ramayana, Hanuman helps his master Lord Rama to kill the demon king Ravana. Hanuman is worshipped for his undying loyalty to Lord King Rama and his consort, Sita. (ANI)