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20 - RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AND GREETINGS
20 - Religious Holidays and Greetings
Religious holidays are observed by celebrating the significant events in the lives of Tirthankaras. Jains celebrate by performing penances, reciting sacred texts, attending religious discourses, studying scriptures, taking certain vows to control the senses, giving alms, and following other acts of compassion. Annual holidays are observed based on the lunar calendar (about 354 days in a year). The most important religious holidays are:
Paryushan and Dash Lakshana Parva This is the holiest season of the year and is an eight or ten-day period of fasting, complex rituals, review of Jain principles, and prayers for forgiveness from all living beings. The festival falls around August September. The celebrations conclude with a period of self-reflection, granting forgiveness to others, and requesting forgiveness from others for any pain or misunderstanding that may have been caused intentionally or unintentionally.
Mahavir Janma Kalyänak (Jayanti) It marks the birthday celebration of Lord Mahävir, which occurs somewhere around March-April. The day is celebrated with various festivities and cultural activities. Often times, this becomes an allday cultural event.
Deepävali (Diwali) This is also known as Mahävir Nirvana day, which marks the attainment of Liberation of Lord Mahävir.
Jnän Panchami This day is marked as the Day of Knowledge (Jnän). Jain scriptures are displayed in various religious places. People visit such places and worship these sacred scriptures on this day.
Mauna Ekadasi (Agiyaras) This is the most pious day of the year. It marks the highest number of pious occasions such as Birth, Enlightenment, and Nirvana of
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JAINISM AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING
