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184: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD “Pausa daśami”. Some go in pilgrimage to Sammet Shikhar, in Bihar, on the hill where Pārśva and numerous other Tīrthankaras have attained liberation. It is also the anniversary of Candraprabha's birth.
Festivals for the consecration of temples or for the installation of statues last several days. They are specific religious manifestations with the presence of an Ācārya or (and) of Bhattāraka and of numerous devotees, who sing hymns, do “pūjā ”, lead processions, read sacred books, perform edifying plays, recite “mantra ", burn incense and attend special rites for these events.
The biannual conventions in North America organised by JAINA are also festivals. They attract numerous adepts that listen to numerous religious discourses and comments. They attend spiritual concerts, evoke the life of the Tīrthankara or some aspects of doctrine, play drama, sing, share meals, forge relationships or meet again friends, etc. Similar meetings take place also for the “Young Jains” who constitute a specific movement within the community.
At the beginning of October, on the anniversary of Gandhi's birth every year, since 1992, Jains living in North America celebrate "Ahimsā day”. On this occasion, they write articles in newspapers to promote non-violence, organise debates for young generations, hold conferences on the matter, etc.
The 14 Biennial JAINA Convention organised at Edison (New Jersey) USA on the 5 to 8 July 2007 had as theme "Peace through dialogue".
Every twelve years onwards, the great ablution of Bahubali, of which we have already spoken, takes place at Shravana Belgola. This festival, essentially Digambara, is truly exceptional for its mood, the number and fervour of the participants. It has a joyous and folkloric character and is one of the strongest moments of Jain tradition.
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