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Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most important festivals in Jainism, and it celebrates the birth anniversary of the 24th Tirthankara Mahavir, who played a significant role in preaching Jainism.
Lord Mahavir believed in a preached ahimsa or non-violence, satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity) and aparigraha (non-attachment).
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Life of Lord Mahavir
Even though he was destined to be an emperor, he left his home at the age of 30, searching for truth in the world, and gave up all his worldly possessions, including clothing. He lived an ordinary and ascetic life, moving from place to place, meditating, and fasting. Through his travels, he learned about the various pains and sufferings endured by humans and ultimately achieved enlightenment.
After attaining enlightenment, he continued his travels, preaching the concept of absolute freedom from the cycle of birth, life, pain, misery, and death – and how anyone can achieve Moksha.
The teachings of Lord Mahavir about universal love continue to live and inspire thousands to this date. In India, it is considered a national holiday to honour the birth of the great prophet and the father of Jainism.
Mahavir Jayanti 2024 date
According to the Swetambar sect of Jainism, he was born on the 13th day of the Hindu calendar month Chaitra in 599 BC in Kundalagrama, Bihar. As against this, Digambar Jains believe that his birth took place in 615 BC.
For the year 2024, Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated on Sunday, 21 April.
Mahavir Jayanti 2024 celebration
Jains around the world celebrate this day by doing charitable work, saying prayers and observing fasts. They also visit Jain temples, conduct mass prayers and meditate.
On Mahavir Jayanti, people organize peaceful processions, or Rath Yatras with the idol of Lord Mahavir on chariots, horses, elephants, etc. People follow several rituals on this day, one of which is bathing Lord Mahavir’s idol in honey, water, and milk – a ceremonial bath known as Abhisheka.
On this day, and in general, Jains all around eat satvik food, which includes freshly prepared vegetarian meals made without onion or garlic. Satvik diets do not use these two root vegetables and are prepared with minimum harm to living creatures.
