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A DEMOCRATIC FESTIVAL
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own nature and roams in a state of restlessness like a person under intoxication. Even when the emotions are pacified, he never realizes the mistake and tries to justify his acts committed in that state. He is never reluctant to repeat those very acts again. The Jain technical term for such an attitude is Mithyādịşți i.e., a perverted attitude.
· As for duration, it is roughly' said that a passion enduring for a period of more than one year is to be regarded as of the first degree. Here lies the importance of Paryushana. A Jain should not perpetuats enmity towards anybody for a period of more than one year. On the day of Paryushana he must ask forgiveness of all others and himself forgive them. The chapters of enmity, hatred, greed and such other passions must be closed and a new chapter of friendship should begin. As a matter of fact it is a festival of forgive-and-forget. We must forget the injuries infilcted on us by others and forgive them. Similarly, we should express our sincere regret for the harm done to others ask for their forgiveness and thus, begin new year with a pure and loving heart.
Background Story There is a significant historical incident attached to this festival.
There was a beautiful maid-servant in the court of king Udayana, the ruler of Sindha. Chandapradyotana, the ruler of Ujjain, heard about her charm and wanted to bring her to his harem. Once, when Udayana was away, he enticed the girl and brought her to Ujjain.
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