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The Jain Festivals
Generally, festivals are celebrations and jubliations characterised by excitement, enthusiasm, enjoyment and entertainments, but the Jain festivals are characterised by renunciation, austerities, study of the scriptures, repetition of holy hymns, meditation and expressing devotion for the Paramatma. Even those people who are caught in the meshes of mundane life according to their ability and conveniences get free from the worldly entanglements to the extent possible, and become immersed in worship and meditation. Renunciation and austerity constitute the very foundation of the Jain Dharma..
Paryushan Mahaparva
The Paryushan is the most important festival among the Jain festivals, and it is observed during every Chaturmas commencing on the twelfth day of the fortnight of the waning moon, in Bhadrapad and ending on the fourth day of the fortnight of the waxing moon in the Bhadrapad. During these eight days, the entire Jain Community becomes spell bound in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and felicity. All Jains, the young and old perform Athai Tap - fasting for eight days at a time. Some men and women and even children take the vow of Paushadh Vrat also for eight days. During these eight days the spiritual precepors read out and explain in detail the Kalpasutra the most sacred scripture of the Jains. All the members of the congregation listen to that explanation, overwhelmed with the emotion of devotion. Seven days are days of attainment and the eighth day is one of fulfillment or achievement. In this manner, the Samvatsari Mahaparva the annual festival is celebrated. Litening to the holy voice of the spiritual preceptors when they recite the original text of sacret Kalpsutra which consist 1250 sutras. Performing the Samvatsarik Pratikraman, (the annual atonement) for seeking the forgiveness of those people whom one hates or against whom one nurses a grudge, forgeting all hatred and spite-these constitute the Samvatsarik aradhanan - the annual atonement.
Navpad Oli
This has been describes under the section, dealing with austerities. During the days of this festival, every day, worship is offered to the Navpad; and a dramatic performace of the story of Shripal Mayana is carried out.
The Birthday of Mahavir Bhagwan
The birthday of Shraman Bhagwan, the last Tirthankar, is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the fornight of the waxing moon, in the month of Chaitra. On this occasion a grand chairot procession, community worship, glorification of the Lord, discussions discourses, seminars and devotional and spiritual activities are organised. On this day, a magnificent celebration takes place at Kshatriykund in Bihar because Bhagwan Mahavir was born there.
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