Why is it celebrated?
Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Mahavir, the last of 24 tirthankars. He was the founder of modern Jain religion and was also known as Vardhamana. He taught his followers Ahimsa, salvation and inhibited killing. Mahavir Jayanti is the biggest Jain festival celebrated with great ardour and zest by all Jains.
Importance:
Mahavir was the son of king Siddhartha and his wife Queen Trishala. Trishala is believed to have experienced several auspicious dreams during pregnancy that depicted the birth of a great leader. Growing up, Mahavir always showed signs of being a great preacher. Mahavir preached the tri-fold path of right conduct, right knowledge, and right faith. His year of birth is disputed to be either 599 BC or 615 BC according to the svetambars and the Digambars, the 2 Jain sects.
How is it celebrated?
On this day, a grand “abhisheka” of the deity is conducted, after which chariot processions with that idol is taken out. The processions have drummers, elephants, horses, singers and the like. The parade is carried out in each region and usually ends at a temple. All Jains observe several religious events throughout the day, which include fasting and charity. The teerthankars are worshipped and all sacred sites are visited. Four kinds of charities are recommended this day, gyan daan, abhay daan, aushad daan and ahaar daan.
When it is celebrated?
The festival is celebrated on the 13th day of rising moon in the moth of Chaitra, which occurs in either March or April.
Where is it celebrated?
Due to huge number of Jains in Gujarat and Rajasthan, the festival is celebrated with fervour there. A grand celebration is held in Vaishali, the birthplace of Mahavir.