In
Jainism, Mahavir Jayanti is the most important religious
holiday. It celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the
last Tirthankara. He was born on the 13th day of
the rising moon of Chaitra, in either 599 BC or
615 BC (depending on religious tradition).
The holiday occurs in late March or early April
on the Gregorian calendar.
On Mahavir Jayanthi, Jain temples are decorated
with flags. In the morning the idol of Mahavira
is given a ceremonial bath called the 'abhishek'.
It is then placed in a cradle and carried in a procession
around the neighbourhood. The devotees will make
offerings of milk, rice, fruit, incense, lamps and
water to the people in procession. Some sections
of the community even participate in a grand procession.
Lectures are held to preach the path of virtue.
People meditate and offer prayers. Donations are
collected to save the cows from slaughter. Pilgrims
from all parts of the country visit the ancient
Jain Temples at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat on
this day.
Mahavir Jayanti is also celebrated during the 8
day holy period of Paryushan. During this period,
pre-defined readings are carried out from a holi
scripture - Kalpa Sutra that contains biographies
of Jain Tirthankars. Biography of Mahavir Swami,
particularly His birth, is read on the day of Mahavir
Jayanti.
Kshamavaani
Kshamavani
or "Forgiveness Day" is a day of forgiving
and seeking forgiveness for the followers of Jainism.
It is celebrated on the 14th day of the holy month
of Bhadrapad. "Micchami Dukadam" is the
common phrase when asking for forgiveness.
On this sacred day, every member of the Jain community
approaches everyone, irrespective of religion, and
begs for forgiveness for all their faults or mistakes,
committed either knowingly or unknowingly. Thus
relieved of the heavy burden hanging over their
head of the sins of yesteryears, they start life
afresh, living in peaceful co-existence with others.
Indeed, this day is not merely a traditional ritual,
but a first step on their path to liberation or
salvation, the final goal of every man's life, according
to the teachings of Jainism.
Mahamastakabhisheka
The
Mahamasthakabhisheka (or Mahamasthak Abhishek) is
an important Jain festival held once every twelve
years in the town of Shravanabelagola in Karnataka
state, India. The festival is held in veneration
of an immense 18 meter high statue of the Bhagwan
(or Saint) Gomateshwara Bahubali. The anointing
last took place in February 2006, and the next ceremony
will occur in 2018.
As the Mahamasthakabhisheka begins, consecrated
water is sprinkled onto the participants by devotees
carrying 1008 specially prepared vessels. The statue
is then bathed and anointed with libations such
as milk, sugarcane juice, and saffron paste, and
sprinkled with powders of sandalwood, turmeric,
and vermilion. Offerings are made of petals, gold
and silver coins, and precious stones. Most recently,
the ceremony's finale has included an enormous shower
of flowers from a waiting helicopter.
Paryushana
Two
of the most important festivals for the Jains are
Paryushana and Diwali. Diwali is celebrated to commemorate
the nirvana of Lord Mahavira on the amavasya of
the Kartika month.
Its origin is related to the staying of the monks
in one place for the rainy season. "Paryushanaa"
is staying of the monks in one place. In popular
terminology this stay is termed "chaturmasa"
because the rainy season is regarded to be about
four months. However the minimum duration of Paryushanaa
is regarded to be 70 days. For this minimum duration,
Paryushanaa must be initiated by panchami (fifth
day) of the shukla phase of the Bhadrapada month.
In the scriptures it is described that Lord Mahavira
used to start Paryushanaa on Bhadrapada Shukla panchami.
Naraka Chaturdashi
Naraka
Chaturdashi, also known as "Chhoti (small)
Diwali" or Kali Chaudas is is a Hindu festival,
which falls on the second day of the festival of
Diwali.
Kali means Dark (evil) and Chaudas - Fourteenth.
Thus, celebrated 14th day of Ashwin, Kali Chaudas
is the day allotted to the worship of Maha-Kali
or Shakti and is believed that on this day Kali
killed the wickedest. Also referred to as Narak-Chaturdashi,
Kali Chaudas is day to abolish laziness and evil
which create hell in our life and shine light on
life. The strength to protect others is referred
as Kali, and if its used for God's work it is called
Mahakali.
On this pee we offer Trojan's to Manumitting as
our Shoulder to protect us from Evil. The poojan
is performed with oil, flowers, Chanda and Hinduism.
Coconuts are also offered to Hanumanji and prashad
of Sesame seed, Brigadoon and rice with ghee and
sugar.
The rituals of Kali Choudas is strongly suggestive
of the origin of Deepavaali as a harvest festival
is performed. On this day delicacies are prepared
from pounded semi-cooked rice (called Poha or Pova).
This rice is taken from the fresh harvest available
at that time. This custom is prevalent both in rural
and urban areas especially in Western India.