Paryushan 2016

Shvetambara Jain days of introspection, scripture, restraint and forgiveness, concluding in Samvatsari; distinct from Digambara Das Lakshana.

Paryushan is an especially sacred annual period of ethical reflection for Shvetambara Jains. Its background is connected with the monsoon retreat, when monks and nuns traditionally reduce travel to avoid harming small living beings and devote greater attention to teaching and contemplation. Laypeople intensify their practice of ahimsa, restraint, study, charity and pratikraman, the examination and repentance of harmful actions in thought, word and deed. The festival is therefore less a celebration of worldly success than an opportunity to correct one's conduct.

Many Shvetambara communities observe eight days, with readings from the Kalpa Sutra, discourses on Mahavira's life, samayika and varied fasting disciplines. The period culminates in Samvatsari, when devotees seek forgiveness from all living beings, often saying 'Micchami Dukkadam'. Practices and precise observance dates differ among Murtipujak, Sthanakvasi and Terapanth groups; not everyone follows the same fasting regimen, and rigorous fasts require individual health consideration.

Digambara Jains observe the related but distinct ten-day Das Lakshana festival, contemplating virtues including forgiveness, humility, truthfulness, self-restraint and non-possession. The two observances should not be collapsed into one eight-day event or assigned a single sect-neutral rule. Paryushan's central message is to make nonviolence and reconciliation a lived responsibility rather than merely a ceremonial greeting.

Renewal of ahimsa, repentance and forgiveness; careful distinction between Shvetambara and Digambara observances.

Kalpa Sutra readings, samayika, pratikraman, suitable fasting, charity and Samvatsari forgiveness; not all fasts are obligatory.

The scale is the point. Ekasana is one sitting a day; ayambil is one bland boiled meal without salt, oil, sugar, milk or spice; atthai is the eight days on boiled water alone. Nothing is eaten after sunset on any of them. A child's first atthai is announced, and the community carries the person through it.

Shvetambara Paryushan usually eight days ending in Samvatsari; Digambara Das Lakshana ten distinct days. Local Jain sangh dates may differ.