Mahavir Jayanti in India

Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most significant religious festivals in Jainism, celebrating the birth of Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher). It typically falls in March or April on the 13th day of the waxing (rising) half of the Hindu month of Chaitra.

History:

Mahavir, also known as Vardhamana, was born into a royal family in the kingdom of Vaishali (present-day Bihar) around 599 BCE. He renounced worldly pleasures at the age of 30 and embarked on a spiritual quest for enlightenment. After 12 years of intense meditation and asceticism, he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience). He then preached non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha).

Traditions:

• Prayers and Pujas: Devotees visit Jain temples to engage in prayers and pujas to honor Lord Mahavira.
• Rath Yatra: In some regions, processions with idols of Mahavira are carried out in chariots or palanquins.
• Charitable Acts: Alms are given to the poor, and donations are made to charitable causes as acts reflecting Mahavira's teachings.
• Recitations: Religious hymns and teachings of Mahavira are recited by monks and followers.
• Veneration: Statues of Mahavira are given ceremonial baths called 'Abhisheka'.
• Fasting: Many Jains observe fasts to purify their body and mind.

Activities:

People engage in various religious activities such as listening to sermons by Jain monks that emphasize peaceful living, compassion towards all beings, and observance of the five vows. Community feasts known as 'love feasts' are organized by some organizations where Jains partake in meals that follow strict vegetarian rules.