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Jaina Community - A Social Survey
an organised or well-represented institution so that the Jainas may remain united. That is why they suggest that instead of organising the Jaina community on a caste-basis, the Jainas should be organised on an all-India basis with its regional, district, taluka, city or village branches and the social, religious, educational and other activities of community should be carried out by these institutions. However, there are a few persons who think that this arrangement should be applied to the Digambaras and Svetāmbaras separately. On the other hand, there are persons who believe that the caste-organisation cannot be removed so long as the caste system remains. They feel that as small units for self-amelioration, the Panchāyatas are useful bodies. Hence they suggest that the institution of Pañchāyatas should be retained in a new form. The hereditary character of the Pañcha yatas must be removed and they must be formed on an election basis so that learned and impartial men can control the affairs of the caste. Many persons think that the working of the Panchayatas could be regularised if they are given a legal form and so it is suggested that the Panchāyatas should be run as registered societies. Again, some propose that the castes or subcastes should organise themselves on a regional or on all-India basis. Thus it is suggested that the Dasā Śrīmali Jainas of Gujarātha should have one organisation and that instead of the Saitavāla caste Panchāyatas at various places, there should be only one organisation like All India Saitavāla Jaina Mahāsabhā.
12. CASTE FEASTS
It is a widespread custom among many castes to give feasts to their members on certain occasions. Jaina castes cannot be an exception to this. With a view to know whether caste dinners are given and if so, on what occasions, the question No. 13 was asked and from the replies it will be observed that it is customary with practically all Jaina castes to give dinners on specific occasions. The most common occasions are marriages, death and religious ceremonies. Among the religious ceremonies may be included the occasions like Paryūshana, that is, completion of the Paryūshana festival; Vratodyā pana, that is, conclusion of a religious vow; Pratishthā, that is, ceremonial installation of an idol in a temple; and Yatrā, that is, returning safely from a pilgrimage. The custom of Maranabhoja, that is, giving a dinner on the 12th or 13th day
