Cincy MultiFaith Calendar

Mahavir Jayanti (Jain)
2025-04-10, 2026-03-31
Mahavir Jayanti is the anniversary of birth of the 24th and last Tirthankara for the followers of Jain religion and culture, or Lord Mahavir. The festival is celebrated to champion the cause of peace and harmony, and also spread the teachings of Lord Mahavira. A procession is carried out in the form of “rath yatra” with Lord Mahavira’s murti placed on the top. Jain temples are decorated with flags, while the Jains offer food and clothes to the needy. Also, prayers are offered in temples dedicated to Lord Mahavira and some devotees often engage in meditation—a practice championed by Mahavir.
More information can be found here.
Typical greetings would be as follows: “May Lord Mahavir bless you abundantly and fill your life with the virtue of Truth, Nonviolence and External compassion. Happy Mahavir Jayanti,” or “Prayers for Peace and Harmony for all humankind on this auspicious day of Mahavir Jayanti.”

Paryushan (Jain)
2025-08-21 - 2025-08-28, 2026-09-08 - 2026-09-15
Paryushan is a time (period) for self-analysis and soul searching, for reflecting and contemplating on past conduct, in light of the teachings of Jainism and re-dedication to leading a spiritually cleaner life in the future. An important day is the last day of Paryushan (Shwetambar sect), or Saṃvatsarī (Sanskrit: संवत्सरी) (Forgiveness Day), when Jains forgive and seek forgiveness for their mistakes committed knowingly or unknowingly from all the living beings.
During this period, Jains would typically greet each other by saying “Michhami Dukkadam” which essentially signifies forgiveness (both forgiving and seeking forgiveness).
More information can be found here.
To connect with the Jain community in Cincinnati and Dayton visit this website.

Diwali (Hindu / Jain)
2025-10-20, 2026-11-08
One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.” Light is a metaphor for knowledge and consciousness. During the celebration, temples, homes, shops and office buildings are brightly illuminated, often with rows (avali) of clay lamps (deepa), for which the festival is named. The preparations and observances typically last five days.
Diwali, also known as Deepawali or Mahavir Nirvana, is of special significance in Jainism, as it also marks the anniversary of Nirvana (final release or liberation) of Mahavir, the 24th and the last Jain Tirthankara. It is celebrated at the same time as the Hindu festival of Diwali or Deepawali.
More information about the Jain celebrations of this holiday can be found here.
More information about Hindu celebrations of this holiday can be found here.
