Ahmedabad: Jains from around the globe will unite in the mass chanting of the Navkar Mantra on Wednesday as part of the ‘Vishwa Navkar Maha Mantra Divas’, aiming to foster peace and spiritual unity. The initiative, led by the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO), coincides with the eve of Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. As part of the event, over 25,000 people are expected to gather at GMDC Ground in the city to chant the Navkar Mantra, which will mark the creation of a record.

The event will span over 600 locations nationwide, with more than 150 in Mumbai alone, and will also include global participation from Jain communities abroad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually address the nation from the main program organized at Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi by JITO Apex. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghvi, Torrent Group’s Sudhir Mehta, and Jain monks from various sects — including Shwetambar, Digambar, Terapanthi, and Sthanakvasi — will also attend the event. Gachchadhipatis, Acharyas, and Sadhus-Sadhvijis will grace the occasion with their blessings. JITO Ahmedabad office bearers and leaders from various Sanghs will also participate.

Ahead of the main program, a Kalash Yatra has commenced in the city, which will culminate at GMDC. A large number of Kalash have been distributed. These Kalash, received from Jain temples across Ahmedabad, are being taken home by community members, where they are worshipped and adorned with garlands amid the chanting of the Navkar Mantra. On April 9, numerous Sanghs will bring their Kalash to the venue and engage in collective chanting.

As part of the celebrations, JITO Ahmedabad Chairman Rishabh Shah, Chief Secretary Manish D. Shah, and Navkar Day Convener and former Chairman Asit Shah presented a Mangal Kalash to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

Two days prior, a coordination meeting was held at Income Tax Circle in Ahmedabad with various Jain Sanghs. Speaking at the meeting, JITO Ahmedabad Chairman Rishabh Shah announced that the event will begin at 8:01 AM on April 9, with a preparatory meeting scheduled for 7:30 AM. Given the anticipated turnout of 25,000 attendees, meticulous planning has been undertaken. Parking for self-driven vehicles will be allocated through an automated app to ensure convenience, and shuttle services will be provided from parking areas to the main pavilion.

For those arriving by bus, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the ST Department have assured full support. Over 450 buses have been arranged and coordinated through an automated app in collaboration with the Sanghs. With this system in place, attendees are expected to reach the venue comfortably and without hassle.

The Navkar Mantra holds great spiritual significance in Jainism. Regular chanting of the mantra is believed to bring peace and stability to the mind, reduce anxiety and sadness, and foster mental clarity. It is said to destroy sins, enhance virtue, and lead one toward salvation. Additionally, it promotes self-awareness, fulfills desires, and inspires individuals to follow the path of righteousness. These benefits make the Navkar Mahamantra a deeply respected spiritual practice not only in Jainism but also in other religions that appreciate its universal message. DeshGujarat