Jain Spirit 2001 12 No 09

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 14

GLOBAL NEWS
Paryushan Celebrated Worldwide
The eight day festival of reflection, self-purification and forgiveness was celebrated by Jains all over the world in August. During this period many Jains undertake fasting, prayer and meditation. The photos below give a snap-shot of the celebrations in different parts of the world (Kenya, Australia and the UK) and eight year old Pooja Shah has given her own personal account of her experiences. Issue 5 of Jain Spirit published last year had detailed articles on the meaning and significance of Paryushan.
Mahavir 's birthday being celebrated in Nairobi, Kenya
Jains in Sydney met each evening during Daslakshan
Sadhviji Shilapiji helps to break the fast
LONDON: Pooja Ketan Shah shares her experience of Paryushan
year to educate and entertain us. They were singing nice stavans and also gave lectures every day. They talked about Mahavir Bhagwan, Paryushan and also how to be good in your life. They were very good and I really enjoyed listening to grown up stuff.
After the lectures, money was raised for the aartis. Some people paid lots of money for aartis and many many people were in the hall by now. It was tiring sitting on the floor by now but it was worth it in the end.
Then it was time for aarti. It was really fun because all the small children like me, were allowed to stand right at the front. We could see everything. Because my brother is small he sat on my kaka's (uncle) shoulder. Aartis were very lively and the music was the best. On some days we even danced during the aartis.
On the fifth day, there was Mahavir Bhagwan's Birthday Celebration. We sang bhajans, did gaarbas and danced. The entire hall was full of people and everybody was participating in the celebrations. It was really fun that evening
The very last day of Paryushan was at the Oshwal Centre and this time I went with my mum, grandma and kaki (auntie). I sat the entire Pratikraman, which lasted for about four hours.
The next day was good as well because I went to my cousin's house because she had done an athai (eight day fast). She was very well and we all broke her fast by giving her presents and a spoonful of food. In the evening we did bhajans.
The festival is now over and I can't wait for next year's to come. Everyone should bring their children because it's not boring but great fun.
In my area, the celebrations were held at Wembley High School, for the first seven days. I went every day with my grandma. We left home at about six o'clock for the hall to do Pratikraman. I always sat next to my grandma and took part in the Pratikraman every day. It lasted just over one hour and it was good to be there. After the Pratikaman, I was asked to take the aarti plate to everyone. People put money in the plate and sometimes put notes or coins and took change. I went all round the hall and then stood at the door for a little while with the plate. I then put the plate back on the stage.
Some people from India had come this
Pooja Shah
10
Jain Spirit . December 2001 - February 2002