1.Paryushan Mahaparva (पर्युषण महापर्व)
The Paryushan is the most important eight days festival among the Jain festivals; and it is observed during every Chaturmas.
During these eight days, the entire Jain Society becomes spellbound in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and felicity. Many Jains, the young and the old perform Atthai Tap (अट्ठाई तप ) - fasting for eight days at a time.
During these days, the spiritual preceptors read out and explain in detail the Kalpasutra (कल्पसूत्र), the most sacred scripture of the Jains. All the members of the congregation listen to that explanation, overwhelmed with the emotion of devotion. Seven days are days of attainment and the eighth day is one of fulfillment or achievement In this manner,the SamvatsariMahaparva (संवत्सरी महापर्व) the annual festival is celebrated. Listening to the holy voice of the spiritual preceptors when they explain the 1250 fundamental Sutras; performing the Samvatsarik Pratikraman (प्रतिक्रमण) , (the annual atonement) for seeking the forgiveness of those people whom one hates or against whom one nurses a grudge; forgetting all hatred and spite-these, constitute the Samvatsarik aradhana -the annual atonement.
2.Mahavir Jayanti (महावीर जन्म कल्याणक )
In Jainism, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is the most important religious holiday. It celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. On the Gregorian calendar, the holiday occurs either in March or April.
He was born on the thirteenth day of the rising moon of चैत्र.
The Paryushan is the most important eight days festival among the Jain festivals; and it is observed during every Chaturmas.
During these eight days, the entire Jain Society becomes spellbound in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and felicity. Many Jains, the young and the old perform Atthai Tap (अट्ठाई तप ) - fasting for eight days at a time.
During these days, the spiritual preceptors read out and explain in detail the Kalpasutra (कल्पसूत्र), the most sacred scripture of the Jains. All the members of the congregation listen to that explanation, overwhelmed with the emotion of devotion. Seven days are days of attainment and the eighth day is one of fulfillment or achievement In this manner,the SamvatsariMahaparva (संवत्सरी महापर्व) the annual festival is celebrated. Listening to the holy voice of the spiritual preceptors when they explain the 1250 fundamental Sutras; performing the Samvatsarik Pratikraman (प्रतिक्रमण) , (the annual atonement) for seeking the forgiveness of those people whom one hates or against whom one nurses a grudge; forgetting all hatred and spite-these, constitute the Samvatsarik aradhana -the annual atonement.
2.Mahavir Jayanti (महावीर जन्म कल्याणक )
In Jainism, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is the most important religious holiday. It celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. On the Gregorian calendar, the holiday occurs either in March or April.
He was born on the thirteenth day of the rising moon of चैत्र.
