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MAHAVIRA NIRVAN CELEBRATIONS
of the many Jain festivities, Mahavira Nirvan Day is a doubly important festival for Jains world over. The day Mahavir, the 24th, and the last Tirthankar in the cycle, attained Nirvan -- liberation from the cycle of transmigration, there was a spectacular display of lights to celebrate the auspicious event. Through the years, since 2512 years ago, the display of lights as a symbolic light of wisdom has been an important festival of India to observe and honour the attainment of nirvan by Lord Mahavir. "Mahavir Shaka", the Jain calendar, began on this sacred day.
Again this year, Mahavir Nirvan and the New Year festivities were joyful events for Jains all over the world. Here is a report of the festivities in North America:
Boston, MA, November 9 THE JAIN CENTER OF GREATER BOSTON celebrated Mahavir Nirvan on November 9, at Jain Center, 15 Cedar Street, Norwood, MA. Dr. Rati Dodhia, the President, addressed the gathering and the chief guest spoke of the importance of the celebrations.
The religious program consisted of Namokar Mantra and Chatari mangalam, devotional songs, arati and mangaldivo. There was an interesting adult group discussion where many people participated. Raas garba dance was held after the dinner. Mr. Sudhir Shah did a fine job of program coordination.
Detroit, MI, November 9 Very successfully Mahavir Nirvan celebration was organized, despite gloomy and drizzly weather, by JAIN SOCIETY OF GREATER DETROIT. The weather did not dampen the spirits of the people. A large gathering of 450 people massed to celebrate the festival.
Jain Education International 2010_02
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