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JAINA FESTIVALS AND FASTS.
Pajjusana
To the Jaina of all three sects the most sacred season of all is Pajjusana (4989 ), or Paryusana (44a, which closes their year. It extends from the last four days of the month of Srāvana to the first four of Bhādaravo these eight days usually fall in August). Both Sretārbara and Digambara Jaina count eight days as the season, but as the Digambara keep seven days at its close for special worship, it really lasts fifteen days with them. The special object with which they keep Pajjusana is to obtain pardon for the sins of the year. Every other day they fast and go to the Upāsaro, wearing their best clothes, while on the alternate days they eat specially dainty food.
The fifth day is conventionally celebrated as Mahāvira's birthday, though they know this not to be the true date. On this day both Sretāmbara and Digambara go in processo sion though their towns, bearing an image which is generally that of Pars ranātha. The Sthapakarāsi Jaina would also like in many cases to observe Mabărira's birthday, but their gurus frown on this, lest it should lead to idol worship.
On the fasting days the Sretārbara go to the Upăsaro to hear the Kalpa Sutra read in Māgadhi, the priest translating. The Sthanakarāsi Jaina, who do not accept the Kalpa Sutra, go to their own Upăsaro and hear Mabărira's life read in their own Scriptures. The members of all the sects go to the Upasarā as often as they can, and some of thern spend
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