Mahavir Janma Kalyanak
April 21, Sunday
Delhi, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Gujarat, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh
Mahavira (599–527 BCE), also known as Vardhamana, was an eminent religious reformer and philosopher. He is considered the founder of modern Jainism, although the religion existed before him.
Traditions and Rituals
Festive Processions (Rathayatra): On this day, ceremonial processions are organized with richly decorated chariots carrying statues of Mahavira. These processions are accompanied by the singing of hymns and the recitation of sacred texts.
Visiting Temples: Jains visit temples to offer prayers and participate in various rituals. Particularly popular places are temples dedicated to Mahavira.
Meditation and sermons. An important part of the holiday is delving into spiritual practices. Lectures are held on the life and teachings of Mahavira, aimed at spreading his philosophy.
Charity. On this day, many Jains engage in charity, help the poor and distribute food.
Special rituals. In temples, statues of Mahavira are ritually bathed with milk, honey and water (Abhishekam), and then decorated with flowers.