840 Jain devotees from Ahmedabad set record with ‘Masakshaman’

As the Jain festival of Chaturmas begins, 840 devotees from Ahmedabad have undertaken a significant spiritual practice by fasting continuously for 30 days, a record-breaking number for the city.

This collective fast, known as ‘Masakshaman Tapascharya’, the religious fasting, will conclude on August 13, when all participating devotees will be felicitated and honoured with garlands in a special ceremony.

Among the 840 participants are 30 children aged 11 to 14, youth, professionals such as doctors and chartered accountants, and even an 84-year-old devotee. Some individuals have gone far beyond the 30-day mark, where one devotee has completed 180 days of fasting, and another has observed 108 days. 

Other participants have also observed extended fasts of 70, 50, and 45 days, demonstrating immense dedication and spiritual discipline.

Speaking about the initiative, Rajratansurishwar Maharaj shared, “We are organising this mass fasting across several cities. This is our ninth fasting programme during Chaturmas, and the number of participants from Ahmedabad is higher than any other city.”

Following the felicitation on August 13, a grand rally is scheduled for August 14, which will proceed from Vasna to the Riverfront, featuring a decorative procession. On August 15, a concluding event titled Dharm Suryoday will be held at the Riverfront, where all fasting devotees will participate.