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Holi. 3 days of fasting, maun (silence) or meditation are recommended during Holi. Paryushana. Occurs in August/September. Considered by some to be the most important festival in Jainism. All Jains are required to fast and spiritual preceptors read out and explain in detail the Kalpasutra (sacred scripture). The first seven days of the festival are days of attainment, and the eighth and finally day is one of fulfilment and achievement. Diwali: Occurs in October November. The whole night of Diwali should be spent in the recitation of holy hymns and meditation. Svetambara Jains believe that on the night of the day of Diwali in 537 B.C.E., Mahavir achieved Nirvana, or deliverance and attained a state of absolute bliss. The day after Diwali marks the beginning of the New Year in their calendar. Kartik Purnima: Occurs in October/November. Thousands of Jains go on pilgrimages on this day to sacred Jain sites. Mauna Agyaras: Occurs around November/December. This is the day on which Jains fast and observes total silence. It is a day for meditation.
shantidoot | messenger of peace
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