Michhami Dukkadam: Jains celebrate Samvatsari on the last day of Paryushan

The Shwetambar Jains are celebrating Samvatsari today on the last day of Paryushan. On the concluding day of Paryushan, the Barsa Sutra will be recited on Wednesday. The original Prakrit-language Barsa Sutra describes the lives of the 24 Tirthankaras, and also narrates about Jambu Swami, Bhadrabahu Swami, and Sthulibhadra Swami, who carried forward the tradition of Lord Mahavir.

In Ahmedabad, a collective Samvatsari Pratikraman will be held in more than 325 upashrayas (Jain community centers), under the guidance of four Gachchhadhipatis, 51 Acharyas, and over 1,200 Sadhus and Sadhvis.

Samvatsari is also known as the festival of forgiveness. Jains ask forgiveness from one another as well as from all living beings of the world, reciting “Micchami Dukkadam” (may my faults be forgiven). They let go of any resentment or enmity that may have arisen with anyone, even the smallest living being, throughout the year. On Thursday, the Parna (conclusion of fasting) of ascetics will also take place.

Saṃvatsari, observed by the Shwetambar sect of Jainism, marks the concluding day of Paryushana. It is celebrated on Shukla Choth of the Bhadrapada month in the Jain calendar, which typically falls between mid-August and September in the Gregorian calendar.

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