Mahavir Jayanti
Mahāvīr Jayanthi is the most important religious festival of the Jains. It celebrates the birth anniversary of Mahāvīra, the last Thīrthhankara who was born on the 13 th day of the rising moon of Chaithra(late March or early April) based on the Gregorian calendar. On this day, Jain temples are embellished with flags. In the morning, the idol of Mahāvīra is given a ceremonial bath called abhiśhek. Later, it is placed in a cradle and carried in a procession around the neighbourhood. Commemorates offer milk, rice, fruit, incense, lamps and water to the Tirthankar. Lectures are conducted to preach the path of virtue. Prayers are offered and devotees get into meditation. Donations are collected to save the cows from the slaughter. Ancient Jain temples at Girnār and Pālithāna in Gujarāth are visited by the Pilgrims from all the parts of the country.
