Jains Celebrate Paryushan Mahaparva 2026

Paryushan Mahaparva, an annual sacred Jain festival, has begun from September 8 and will run until September 15 for the Shwetambar sect, while the Digambar sect will celebrate it from September 15 to September 24. This festival is dedicated to spiritual purification, self-reflection, and universal forgiveness.

The Shwetambar sect celebrates Paryushan Parv for 8 days, ending with Samvatsari, whereas the Digambar sect celebrates a 10-day festival called Das Lakshan Parva. This difference arises from unique scriptural traditions, focal texts, and ritual schedules.

Paryushan Parv is one of the biggest festivals in Jainism, celebrated for spiritual growth and self-reflection. The festival is a time for Jains to pause, reflect, forgive, and reconnect with inner peace.

The Shwetambar sect, also known as Śvetāmbara, celebrates Paryushan for eight days, during which devotees recite the sacred text Kalpa Sutra starting on the fifth day. This text covers the life of Lord Mahavira and other Tirthankaras.

On the other hand, the Digambara sect observes Dasha Lakshana Parva for ten days, starting right after the Śvetāmbara festival ends. In this sect, each day is dedicated to meditating on one of the ten supreme virtues of the soul outlined in the Tattvārtha Sūtra.

During Paryushan Parv, many devotees observe water-only fasts, and the festival centers on ahimsa (non-violence) and self-discipline. The Jain community also seeks strict enforcement of the meat ban in Bhiwandi during this period.

The difference in the celebration of Paryushan Parv between the Shwetambar and Digambar sects highlights the diversity within Jainism. Despite these differences, the festival remains an essential part of Jain tradition, promoting spiritual growth, self-reflection, and universal forgiveness.

As the festival continues, Jains from both sects will come together to observe the principles of ahimsa, self-discipline, and spiritual purification. The festival will conclude with Samvatsari for the Shwetambar sect and the end of Das Lakshan Parva for the Digambar sect.

In conclusion, Paryushan Mahaparva is a significant festival in Jainism, promoting spiritual growth, self-reflection, and universal forgiveness. The differences in the celebration of the festival between the Shwetambar and Digambar sects reflect the diversity within Jainism, while the underlying principles of ahimsa and self-discipline remain a common thread.

The festival's significance extends beyond the Jain community, promoting values of compassion, harmony, and inner peace. As the world grapples with conflicts and challenges, the principles of Paryushan Mahaparva offer a beacon of hope and inspiration for a more peaceful and harmonious world.