‘PARYUSHAN Parv’ is one of the most significant religious festivals of the Jain community. It is celebrated with devotion, reflection and cultural enthusiasm by both Digambar and Shwetambar sects. The Shwetambar sect celebrated the pious festival from August 20 to August 27. Enlightening about the nuances of the supreme festival, ‘Watssalya Riddhi Nidhi Sadhvi from Sumatinath Jain Temple explained, “During Paryushan, we follow five kartavyas (duties) ‘Amari Pravartan’ (ahimsa, or non-violence towards all living beings), ‘Sadharmik Bhakti’, ‘Kshamapana’ (forgiveness and avoiding anger or hatred), ‘Tela’ (Attham Tap, three days of fasting with only boiled water) and ‘Chaitya Paripath’ (bowing at temples and offering prayers).”

 

She further said that the festival is a time for spiritual awakening and purification of the soul through penance, meditation and austerity. Even teenagers enthusiastically take part in Pratikraman (a ritual of self-reflection and repentance), fasting, reading scriptures and attending discourses on Jain philosophy. The evenings are enriched with cultural programmes promoting non-violence, truth and compassion.” At Sumatinath Jain Mandir, Ramdaspeth, the festivities included fasting, rituals, prayers and bhajans. “Kshamapana is of utmost importance. It means to forgive and to seek forgiveness,” said the Sadhvi, adding that around 30 devotees undertook ‘tapasya’ (austerity) for 45 days this year. She explained that many observed nirjal fasting (without water). The festival culminates on ‘Samvatsari’ marked by ‘Michhami Dukkadam,’ seeking forgiveness from all for hurting them by deeds, words or actions intentionally or unintentionally. For the Jain community, Paryushan is not just a festival but a reaffirmation of righteous living, harmony and inner transformation.