Book Title: Essence of Jainism Author(s): Jyoti Prasad Jain Publisher: Shuchita Publication VaranasiPage 33
________________ Jaina holidays, fast days, festivals or fairs. The 8th and the 14th days of each fortnight are regular fast-days. Then, there are the three Ashtanhikas (eight-day festivals) and three Dashalakshanis (ten-day festivals) including the Paryushana, falling in different months. The birth and nirvana anniversaries of the Tirthankaras, especially those of Rishabha, Parshva and Mahavira, are celebrated with great eclat. At most of the important places of pilgrimage annual fairs are held, and in many cities and towns car-processions of the Jina are taken out annually. Keeping fasts, worshipping the Jina and other adorable objects, recitation of hymos and of the sacred texts holding religious discourses, alms-giving, taking the vows, and such other acts of piety usually characterise the celebration of their holidays by the Jains. To sum up, Jainism is a rational creed and a living religion which has preserved in a large measure its originality and integrity. It is a well developed system with a rich - 32 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.orgPage Navigation
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