Mahavir Jayanti Celebration-In India and several countries throughout the world, the Jain community observes Mahavir Jayanti as a significant holiday. As the 24th and final Tirthankara (enlightened being) of Jainism, the festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. Jains all across the world commemorate the holiday with a lot of fervour and dedication.
Jains worship Lord Mahavir by visiting Jain temples and engaging in specific rituals and prayers on Mahavir Jayanti. After being ceremoniously bathed in milk, saffron, and other holy ingredients, the idol of Lord Mahavir is next adorned with flowers and other trinkets. Prayers, flowers, and sweets are presented to the deity by worshippers.
Jains often arrange processions known as jhankis in which worshippers of Lord Mahavir carry his idol while singing hymns and reciting prayers atop a decked palanquin or chariot. The atmosphere is joyful and devotional as the processions are accompanied by music, dance, and other cultural events.
During Mahavir Jayanti, many Jains observe a day-long fast during which they refrain from eating and drinking. Over the duration of the day, some Jains also practise silence as a means of cleaning their bodies and minds. Some people could decide to solely consume vegetarian fare on this day.
Mahavir Jayanti celebrations place a strong emphasis on charity, and Jains are urged to show kindness and compassion to all living things. Several Jains arrange blood donation camps and medical check-up camps, as well as giving food and clothing to the destitute and underprivileged. On this auspicious day, some Jains also practise intense meditation and reflection to reach moksha or liberation from suffering.
In conclusion, the Jain community commemorates the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir through the festival of Mahavir Jayanti. The event places a strong emphasis on non-violence, the truth, and spiritual enlightenment and serves as a reminder to people to show kindness, compassion, and charity to all living things. For Jains all throughout the world, it is a time of great joy, dedication, and celebration.
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