There are many Festivals celebrated in the Month of in the auspicious month ‘Bhadrapad’ (Mid of August to Mid of September). And One of the Most Prominent and Famous Festival of Jains of ‘Paryushan Parva‘ is also celebrated in this Auspicious Month. Paryushan means Lasting a long time or Coming together. It is the Time when Wandering Jain Monks take up temporary shelter for four months of Monsoon. (Chaturmas)
The resemblance of Paryushan Parva is The festival through which an attempt is made to put an end to all vices, passions and lustful desires in thought, speech and deeds.
During Paryushan, True Jains follow the following restrictions on diet.
1. Drink boiled water.
2. Eat before sunset.
3. Refrain from root vegetables like Onion, Garlic, and Potatoes.
4. Abstain the intake of fermented (soured) food.
5. Don’t take even the green vegetables.
All the above mentioned items are supposed to contain far more amount of lives (atmas) than the simple grains. Thus, by restricting oneself from intake of these items, a Human Being commits less sin and reaches closer to salvation, the sole purpose of Paryushan. 🙂
In the Shvetambar Sect it is an 8-day festival is celebrated which ends with Bhadrapada Shukla chaturthi. During these 8 days their is recitation of ‘Navkaar Mantra’ for all 24Hours. The last day of this festival is called Samvatsari, short for Samvatsari Pratikramana(Samayi).
After the Pratikramana all the Jain Seek forgiveness from all the creatures of the world whom they may have harmed knowingly or unknowingly and By Bidding each other Micchami Dukkadam.
It is a Jolly Time and People Visit their Relatives and Friends Bid Micchami Dukkadam and Have Exchange of Sweets (Most preferred Part of Each Indian Festival) 🙂
UdaipurBlog Team Wishes You all a Happy Samvatsari and Micchami Dukkadam if we Knowingly of Unknowingly Said or Did Something Wrong. Have A Great Sunday. 😀
Thanks Shanta Devi Chohan for Details about the Day 🙂 and Greetings From Sarva Dharma Maitri Sangh