Paryushan Mahaparva or Paryushana is one of the most important celebratory occasions observed by people of the Jain community. It is a religious observance of people of both the subsects of Jains- Shvetambars and Digambars. The Shvetambars follow it for a period of eight days and refer to as Paryushana. Paryushan or Paryushana Parva 2019 begins from August 27 and goes on till September 3, for an entire week. The Digambars call the same observance as Daslakshana and it is followed for ten days. It will be observed from September 3 to September 12 this year. This observance is said to connect oneself to one's own soul. It provides a break from daily routine and people fast for about a week. The festival ends with a celebration of Samvatsari which is the day of forgiveness.  Samvatsar: Date, Significance and Greetings of Michhami Dukkadam, The Day of Forgiveness of Jain Community.

The meaning of Paryushan is "abiding" or "coming together." The holy event involves people of the Jain community taking a vow of study and fasting. On the concluding day, they request forgiveness from others if they have caused any offence to them in the year gone by. Forgiveness is asked by saying "Micchami Dukkadam" to others, which means, "If I have offended you in any way, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word or action, then I seek your forgiveness."

History and Significance

It is said that Paryushan observances have been rooted centuries ago when people followed the agrarian lifestyle. After a spell of monsoon and harvests, people took a break from the fieldwork. The roads would be difficult to travel and due to a lot of insects coming out after the rains, it was also difficult to head anywhere without killing them. So it is said that the Sadhus/Sadhvis would take a break and spend those days focusing on themselves. They purified themselves and also advanced their knowledge in the time.

Celebrations of Paryushan Parva

Paryushan celebrations involve an idea of soul-searching and a lot of self-analysis. Those who observe the festival reflect on their habits and behaviour in the past year. Jains observe a fast which is a way to forget bodily needs and focus only on the soul. Meditation is a daily practice in this week and it drives a person to look within themselves, seek guidance. Each of the days of this festival is based on various negative emotions like anger, pride, greed etc. Along with following a strict fast, people are also expected to study scriptures and religious books. The Digambaras recite the ten chapters of sacred Jain text Tattvartha Sutra on the day of the fasts.

The entire idea of Paryushan Parva is to purify the soul. It involves self-discipline and penance. The festive fasts are observed by people of the Jain community all over the world. It is one of the most important religious observances.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2019 09:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).