Jain Festivals

Question 1

Mahavir Jayanti

Answer 1

Birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira (24th Tirthankara one of founder of Jainism )
Jain Temples decorated with Saffron flags
Idol of Mahavira is washed with milk and given ceremonial bath (abhishek)

Question 2

Paryushana

Answer 2

Annual fest
celebrated for 8 days
in month of Bhadrapada (Aug/sept) by Svetambara sect.

For 10 days for Digambara sect

Marks movement of nomadicJain monks to their retreat beacause rain and monsoon makes their residence in forest and caves impossible

Ritual visit to temples or Upashrayas and listening discourses on Kalpa Sutra

Most devotees are asked to peform Pratikramana or Meditation kriya

Festivals ends with celebration of Kshamavani (forgiveness day)
Forgiveness is asked by saying ‘Micchami Dukkadam’ to others

Question 3

Mahamastakabhisheka

Answer 3

Held once in 12 years
in town of Shravanabelagola of Karnatka
bathing ceremony of 57 ft statue Siddha Bahubali (son of Rishabhdev)

Question 4

Gyana Panchami

Answer 4

Fifth day of Kartik is known as ‘Gyan Panchami’
knowledge day
Holy Scriptures are displayed and worshipped under Jainism

Question 5

Varshi Tapa or Akshay Tritiya Tapa

Answer 5

related to First Tirthankara Rishabdev who took a fasting of 13 months and 13 days continuously

People who perform fasting are known as Varshi Tapa

Question 6

Maun Agiyaras

Answer 6

11th day fo Magshar month of Jain calendar (Nov/dec)

complete silence is observed along with fasting
mediation is also performed

Question 7

Navpad Oil

Answer 7

Nine-day Oli is a period of semi-fasting
Jain takes one mean a day of plain foog

comes twice a year during
(mar/april and sept/oct)