Jain Paryushan is one of the most significant religious observances in Jainism, often referred to as the “king of festivals” in India and worldwide. This year, the festival begins today i.e., August 31, 2024, and will continue until September 7, 2024.

The Jain festival marks the start of a 120-day fasting period, known as “Chaumasa,” beginning in mid-June. During this time, Jains around the world engage in prayer and penance. The Paryushan festival, which begins eight days before Ganesh Chaturthi, is considered the pinnacle of spiritual discipline and resistance to worldly temptations. Jains increase their spiritual intensity during these eight days through fasting and meditation.

What is Paryushan?

Paryushan is a festival of forgiveness, with the word itself meaning ‘abiding’ or ‘coming together.’ It is observed annually in the month of Bhadrapad, between the fifth and fourteenth day of the bright fortnight, known as Shukla Paksha, according to the Hindu calendar.

The primary goal of Paryushan is to attain Nirvana or Salvation for the soul. During this time, Jain monks and nuns cease their travels and stay with the community to guide them on the path of spiritual wisdom.

Shwetambar Jains observe the festival for eight days, while Digambar Jains celebrate it for ten days. The festival is a period of intense study, reflection, and purification. For Digambar Jains, it coincides with the Daslakshan festival. Fasting holds great importance in Jain society as it purifies the body and helps in detaching from worldly desires.

Routines Followed During the Festival

During Paryushan, Jains engage in daily meditation and prayer, attend discourses by monks and nuns, and follow a simpler diet. They avoid eating green vegetables and other foods like potatoes, onions, garlic, and ginger, as consuming these may harm the plants and produce body heat. Observers aim to finish their meals before sunset and drink only boiled water. The festival is also a time for upholding peace and non-violence.

For eight days, every evening, Jains participate in a ritual called Pratikraman, where they repent for their sins and non-meritorious activities committed knowingly or unknowingly through thought, speech, or action.

Jain Paryushan 2024: 8 Days Puja and Pratikraman Schedule

• 31st August 2024: Body composition of Lord
• 1st September 2024: Potha Ji’s Varghoda procession
• 2nd September 2024: Kalpasutra Pravachan
• 3rd September 2024: Lord Mahavira’s Birthday Celebration
• 4th September 2024: Program of Prabhu’s School
• 5th September 2024: Kalpasutra Reading
• 6th September 2024: Celebration of Barsa Sutra Darshan, Chaitya tradition, and Samvatsati Pratikraman
• 7th September 2024: Collective forgiveness celebration
• 8th September 2024: Samvatsari celebration

Importance of Paryushan: Energy, Prosperity, Contentment, and Forgiveness

Paryushan aims to eradicate negative thoughts, energies, and habits. It is also known as Parv Dhiraj. During this time, Jain devotees emphasize the basic vows of Right Knowledge, Right Faith, and Right Conduct. Fasting for up to 31 days, consuming only boiled water before sunrise and after sunset, helps culminate spiritual energy within Jain households. The festival brings joy and prosperity and encourages forgiveness, encapsulated in the principle, “Our love extends to all human beings, and our hatred is non-existent. We wish prosperity for everyone and happiness in this world.”

Mahavir Jayanti

During the eight-day Paryushan, the fifth day is celebrated as Mahavir Jayanti, honoring Mahavir Swami, one of the 24 Jain Tirthankars. On the fourth day, Jain monks and nuns begin reading scriptures from the Kalpa Sutra, which narrates the 14 dreams Mahavir’s mother had before his birth and the story of his life and salvation.

Samvatsari and Pratikraman

For Shwetambar Jains, Samvatsari is the 8th day of Paryushan, while for Digambar Jains, it is the 10th day. The festival concludes with Samvatsari, where Jains seek forgiveness from others by saying ‘Micchhami Dukkadam’ after their Pratikraman, a meditation that lasts nearly two and a half hours.