Hanuman Chalisa Echoes in the Sky: Passengers Turn to Faith Mid-Flight as Fear of Flying Grows
Hanuman Chalisa Echoes in the Sky: Passengers Turn to Faith Mid-Flight as Fear of Flying Grows
Viral video shows SpiceJet passengers reciting Hanuman Chalisa, highlighting how faith offers psychological comfort amidst growing aviation fears.
In the wake of the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash that claimed over 270 lives, a fresh wave of anxiety has swept across Indian air travelers. Frequent news of emergency landings, technical glitches, and mid-air scares has left even frequent flyers uneasy. In response, many are finding comfort not in protocols or technology but in prayer.
A video that has now gone viral captures passengers aboard a SpiceJet flight chanting the Hanuman Chalisa. The recitation, once a private act of faith has now become a shared psychological coping mechanism for many in the skies.
The Hanuman Chalisa, a 40-verse devotional hymn written by poet-saint Tulsidas in the 16th century, is a powerful spiritual text dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the symbol of courage, devotion, and protection. For many Hindus, especially in times of fear and uncertainty, these verses serve not merely as ritual but as a profound source of emotional and mental grounding.
“People turn to what makes them feel safe when they’re not in control,” said a frequent flyer from Delhi who now always carries a copy of the Chalisa while flying. “For me, reciting it during takeoff is like putting on a spiritual seatbelt.”
Lord Hanuman is often referred to as Sankat Mochan, the remover of obstacles and his Chalisa is believed to ward off danger and dispel fear. Its growing popularity during air travel reflects a deep cultural blend of faith and psychology.
While some may view public recitations onboard as unusual, aviation psychologists see it as a natural stress response. “Chanting mantras or hymns can regulate breathing, reduce heart rate, and bring a sense of control to a perceived uncontrollable situation,” explained one clinical therapist.
As airlines continue to tighten safety checks and travelers remain on edge, spirituality has found its place above the clouds. Whether it’s a whispered prayer, a tightly clutched talisman, or the communal chant of a centuries-old hymn, passengers are seeking reassurance in the divine as they journey through uncertain skies.
Because when technology feels fragile and fear feels real, even 35,000 feet above the ground, faith can still fly.
