Codex of FaithsAn illustrated atlas of belief

Jainism

Paryushana

When is Paryushana in 2027, the most important Jain festival: eight or ten days of fasting, study and reflection, ending with Samvatsari, the day of asking and giving forgiveness.

Next date

29 August – 5 September 2027

Svetambara dates, ending with Samvatsari on 5 September. The Digambara Das Lakshana festival follows, from 5 to 15 September.

In brief

  1. I.Paryushana is the most important annual festival of the Jains.
  2. II.It is a time of fasting, prayer, study and confession, during the monsoon season when monks and nuns stay in one place.
  3. III.It ends on Samvatsari, when Jains ask forgiveness from all living beings.
  4. IV.The greeting “Micchami Dukkadam” means “may all my wrongs be forgiven”.

Chapter I

What it celebrates

Paryushana means “abiding” or “coming together”. During the rainy season, when insects and small creatures abound, Jain monks and nuns stop wandering to avoid harming them, and lay Jains gather around them to deepen their practice.

The festival turns the community towards the soul: shedding karma through fasting and reflection, and repairing relationships through forgiveness.

Chapter II

How it is kept

Jains spend more time in temples, hear sermons and read scripture. Many fast, some for the full eight days. On the fifth day the birth of Mahavira is celebrated with the display of the fourteen dreams of his mother. On the last day, Samvatsari, Jains perform a long confession, pratikramana, and ask forgiveness of family, friends and all beings, often by sending messages saying Micchami Dukkadam.

Chapter III

Around the world

In India some cities close slaughterhouses during Paryushana at the request of Jain communities. Jain centres worldwide, from Leicester to Los Angeles, hold daily programmes and collective forgiveness ceremonies.

Questions people ask

How strict is the fasting?

It varies. Some Jains fast completely, taking only boiled water, for one day or all eight; others eat one meal a day or give up certain foods.

What is read during Paryushana?

Svetambara Jains read the Kalpa Sutra, which tells the life of Mahavira; Digambara Jains reflect on ten virtues, such as forgiveness, humility and truth.

Sources and further reading

  1. Toronto Metropolitan University, “2027 Calendar of Religious, Indigenous and Spiritual Observances”
  2. Paul Dundas, The Jains (Routledge, 2nd ed. 2002)

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