Mahavir Jayanti 

The main Jain festival of the year is Mahavira Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahavira. Mahavira is the last and the greatest Tirthankar of the Jain religion, and Mahavir Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara.

This religious event is largely observed by the Jains, by visiting sacred sites and worshipping the Teerthankars. The event holds special significance in Gujarat and Rajasthan, due to the ancient shrines at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat. Mahavira Jayanti is also celebrated at Parasnath temple in Calcutta and at Pawapuri in Bihar.

When is Mahavir Jayanti Celebrated?

Celebrated during the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra, festivities last for one day. Mahavir Jayanti occurs on the thirteenth day of Chaitra, right around the time of the full moon. Chaitra is equivalent to the months of March and April.

Where is Mahavir Jayanti Celebrated?

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated widely throughout the Jain community. Due to the high numbers of Jains in Rajasthan and Gujarat, most celebrations are seen in these states. However, those that follow Jainism travel to recognized Jain shrines to celebrate Mahavir Jayanti. In Gujarat, the shrines are located at Girnar and Palitana. Others flock to Mahavirji in Rajasthan. Lord Mahavira was born in Vaishali, which also hosts a majestic celebration.

How is Mahavir Jayanti Celebrated?

Temples that host Mahavir Jayanti festivals are decorated with flags to mark the birthday of Lord Mahavira. Each locality holds a traditional bath (abhishek) for a deity of Lord Mahavira. Following the bath, the deity is carried in a parade throughout the region. Each parade varies but generally includes drummers, horses, elephants, singers and lamps. Depending on the region, the parade ends at a temple, shrine or large communal area where people may pray and meditate. Donations made during Mahavir Jayanti are made in the form of food, medicines or knowledge.