Mahavir Jayanti (Jain)

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.

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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.”