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JAIN FESTIVALS
Paryushan
Paryushan is an annual festival of 8 days where we focus on doing lots of religious activities. During Paryushan we try not to hurt any living beings as much as possible. We also practice self-control as much as possible by fasting or giving up something we really like such as watching television, playing video games, eating chocolate. Everyday we go to the temple, pray, and read religious books. On one of the 8 days (or on the fifth day of Paryushan) we view the fourteen beautiful dreams of Mother Trishalä. The last day of Paryushan is all about forgiveness. On the last day, we say "Michchhä mi Dukkadam" to all of our friends and family. Michchhä mi Dukkadam means "I am asking for forgiveness for anything I may have done to hurt you, and I forgive you too." It is very important to say "Michchhä mi Dukkadam" to everyone.
Das Lakshana Parva
Das Lakshana Parva is an annual festival of 10 days that is celebrated after Paryushan. In India some Jain sects celebrate Paryushan while other Jain sects celebrate Das Lakshana Parva. In North America every Jain center celebrates both the festivals. During Das Lakshana Parva festival, we focus on an important virtue everyday. It starts with forgiveness followed by nine other virtues like truth, self-control, not being greedy, and being humble.
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