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The Jain Celebrations
Snatra Mahotsav - The festival of oblation Snatra Mahotsav is the name given to the ceremony of performing oblations to the image of the Lord; worshipping the Lord with various auspicious things, making offerings to the Lord; and worshipping the Lord with songs, music and dances. It is also called Snatra Puja. The Snatra Mahotsav is performed generally every day in most Jain temples. Showing devotion to the Lord and seeking his blessings can be done on any auspicious day or happy occasion. This constitutes an aspect of the very foundation of the Jain dharma.
Atthai Mahotsav - The festival of eight days This is a festival of eight days and so it is called Atthai Mahotsav. During these eight days or sometimes five days, many devotional and religious activities are arranged in the Jain temples. The activities include such things as cleaning and decorating the temples, offering prayers to the Paramatma along with songs, music and dances, chanting of hymns of glorification, recitation of songs for worship, decorating the images and organising some other religious and auspicious activities.
Shanti Snatra - Special oblation for universal peace This activity has been regarded as the most auspicious and beneficial. This is organised on the last day of any minor ceremony. On this occasion, oblations are performed to the image of the Lord 27 or 108 times with absolute devotion. Moreover, worship is offered to the Lord with special and auspicious articles. As a part of this ceremony, the Mangal Kumbh (the sacred vessel) is installed; the holy light is installed; worship is offered to the nine grahas; and to other divinities. This observance seeks the wel-fare of all beings in the universe. On this occasion, Sanskrit shlokas are chanted and this great wish is expressed: "May felicity bliss, cheerfulness and holiness prevail everywhere".
Siddha-chakra Mahapujan - The grand worship of Siddhachakra Yantra The Siddha Chakra Yantra is designed in some pure and holy place. The yantra is colourfully designed with wheat, green dal, black gram, Bengal gram and rice. Holy recitation, meditation, worship and prayers are carried out for the Navpad and also worship is offered to other gods, goddesses, powers, etc.
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