Major Jain Holidays & 2012 Dates

5 April 2012: Mahavir Jayanti
24 April 2012: Akshaya Tritiya
20 September 2012: Paryushan
13 November 2012: Diwali
18 November 2012: Jnan Panchami

Mahavir Jayanti: Celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the last thirthankara. According to Jain tradition, Mahavir was conceived by Rishabhdeva, a Brahmin wife, but was supernaturally transferred to the womb of Trisala, wife of the ruler Siddhartha. Although this seems contradictory to a Jainist assertion that supernatural forces are nonexistent, it is part of the tradition tying him to a long cycle of thirthankara rebirths.

Akshaya Tritiya: A day of fasting and pilgrimage. Those who fast are rewarded with sugar cane juice.

Paryushan: A festival of fasts and spiritual awareness held during the last 10 days of the Jain year. All Jains are expected to fast at least this one day, but many will fast longer—sometimes as long as a full month. Another aspect of this holiday is the asking of forgiveness from friends and relatives for both intentional and unintentional wrongs.

Diwali: This is India’s annual festival of lights, celebrated throughout the nation. The Diwali holiday has additional importance to Jains, who celebrate it as the day that Mahavira achieved nirvana / salvation.

Jnan Panchami: Worship of pure knowledge. Celebrated in reverence for Jain scriptures, the Agamas.

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