________________
My favorite festival
is Diwali because it
gives an inspiration to one because Mahavir attained liberation. It marks the new year when mistakes can be improved on.
It is a chance to ask
for forgiveness for any pain you have caused.
• We have been taught the fundamentals of Jainism throughout the years from our Jain Study Class. But that is not all of what Jainism means to me. Thefundamentals teach me a big part of my life. Things like vegetarianism are things that without my religion- I most probably would not practice. And I am so into animal rights, Jainism has helped me understand that. It has also taught me to be kind, never steal, and so much more. It's my religion, and my basics of life. (Kajal Ravani, 15, Troy, MI)
What is your favorite Jain festival?
• If it weren't for time, I'd celebrate Diwali, my favorite Jain festival, every week! This exciting festival isn't complete without a friend with you, a big show for four hours, the food, and, of course, Bhagvan Mahavir's liberation anniversary. In addition, we go to the Jain temple in the morning and worship Bhagvan Mahavir. We do Nirvan Puja through which we learn about his teachings. All Jains get together and wish each other. Also, we light the lamp in honor to Mahavir. It's way better than watching television! We can all say that the Jain religion is much more than a religion! (Akhil Jain, 11, Dallas, TX)
• My favorite Jain festival is Paryushan. In Paryushan you stay close to your soul. You ask for forgiveness for the bad things you've done. You can replace bad karma's with good karma's. Paryushan is eight days long in the Shvetamber tradition. It is ten days long in the Digambar tradition. I like this festival because then I feel good I got rid of pap. (Heet Sheth, 11, Mississauga, Ontario)
I really like all the Jain festivals. They are always fun and exciting. Well most of them. I try and go to each and every one of them. I participate sometimes in saying the prayers and stuff. I really like Diwali. Diwali is the festivals of lights! It also symbolizes the victory of good over evil. This celebration focuses on lit lamps. I really have fun because we get to light up candles and incense. I also get to do fireworks. We go to our families houses and eat dinner. We always have fun. We play a lot of games. We talk a lot too. Almost every family member is there. It's really fun to get to see everyone. We play all sorts of games. I also like Holi. Holi is the festival of colors. On Holi, I get colored power and throw it on everyone. It's really fun and tiring when you're done. You get to run around. everywhere trying to get color on someone and then they try to get you back. Those are my favorite kinds of festivals. (Rikita Jain, 13, West Bloomfield, MI)
• My favorite festival is Diwali because it gives an inspiration to one because Mahavir attained liberation. It marks the new year when mistakes can be improved on. It is a chance to ask for forgiveness for any pain you have caused. It is the festival of light, and it maintains the light of one's soul. (Tej Shah, 13, London)
Jadu Biennial JAINA Convention 2007
Educ
205
For Private & Personal Use Only
PEACE THROUGH DIALOGUE
