Chaitra Shukla 13, usually March or April
Mahavir Jayanti
The birth anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir, celebrated with processions, temple worship and acts of charity.
पर्व
Festivals and sacred days
Jain observances follow the lunar calendar, so their dates move each year. Each one turns a teaching into a shared practice.
Bhadrapada, usually August or September
Paryushan Parva
The most important period of the Jain year: days of fasting, study and inner cleansing.
Final day of Svetambara Paryushan
Samvatsari
The day of forgiveness, when Jains ask pardon of every being with “Micchami Dukkadam”.
Kartika Amavasya, usually October or November
Mahavir Nirvana (Diwali)
The night of Mahavir’s liberation at Pavapuri, remembered with lamps of knowledge.
Vaishakha Shukla 3, usually April or May
Akshaya Tritiya
Remembers the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, breaking a year-long fast with sugarcane juice.
Kartika Shukla 5, usually October or November
Jnana Panchami
A day honouring knowledge and the sacred texts that preserve the Tirthankaras’ teachings.