Writen by Mantsha, a grade 9 student

What is the Paryushan festival?

Paryushan festival is known as the king of all the festivals for the Jain community. It is also known as PARVA DHIRAJ.

Why do the Jains celebrate this festival?

Paryushan festival is a time for Jain people to self-analyse themselves, and do some soul searching – which means getting a deep understanding of your own emotions and actions. This festival gives a break to the Jain people from their daily routine, and allows them to reflect and to think about their past, like the teachings Jainism. This helps them make a determination to lead a mentally stronger cleaner life.

Paryushan means “coming together”. It is a time when people ask for forgiveness for anything wrong they may have done and also admit their mistakes made in the last year.

At this time the Jains do daily meditation and pray. This gives them a chance to think about the Jain teachings. It lasts for eight days and from the fourth day, many of them read the Kalpa Sutra, a book that talks about the life of Mahavira – the story of his birth, life and liberation.

Importance of the Paryushan festival

This festival helps every individual to develop their discipline, patience and self-control. Forgiveness and regretfulness are important aspects of the Paryushan festival. This festival gives everyone a chance for self-analyzing themselves.

Rituals that are  followed in this festival

• Studying the holy books and texts.
• Fasting and drinking boiled water.
• Eating before sunset.
• Meditation and praying to God
• Asking for forgiveness

How does it affect every individual?

The festival of Paryushan improves an individual because it is about deep-analyzing yourself and developing discipline, patience and self-control, which can help everyone to purify their minds and get rid of anger.

I think this festival should be celebrated by not only the Jain community but also by people of all communities to develop, maintain, and improve themselves.