Festival and celebrations

IIE DIGITAL DESK :Mahavir Jayanti 2025, one of the most important festivals in Jainism, will be celebrated with deep devotion and spiritual fervor across India and by Jain communities worldwide. Falling on Thursday, April 10, this auspicious occasion marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. The day is observed on the 13th day of the bright half of the Chaitra month as per the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in March or April in the Gregorian calendar.

Lord Mahavira, born in 599 BCE in Kundagrama (present-day Bihar), was a spiritual reformer and philosopher who emphasized non-violence, truth, celibacy, non-possession, and non-stealing as the pillars of a righteous life. His teachings laid the foundation of Jain philosophy and continue to influence millions of followers who live by the principle of "Ahimsa Parmo Dharma" or "non-violence is the highest religion." Mahavir Jayanti is not just a day of celebration, but a moment of reflection on the values of compassion, discipline, and self-restraint.

On Mahavir Jayanti, devotees begin their day with prayers at Jain temples, where the idol of Lord Mahavira is bathed in a ceremonial 'abhisheka' or ritual cleansing with milk, water, and flowers. Temples are decorated with flags and lights, and processions called 'rath yatras' featuring the idol of Lord Mahavira are taken out, accompanied by devotional songs and teachings from Jain scriptures. Monks and nuns deliver sermons that reinforce the teachings of Mahavira, encouraging people to follow the path of peace, selflessness, and spiritual growth.

The day is also marked by charitable acts such as feeding the poor, offering donations to shelters, and releasing animals as a symbolic gesture of non-violence. In keeping with Jain values, many followers also engage in fasting and refrain from consuming root vegetables, practicing austerity as a form of spiritual discipline. Mahavir Jayanti serves as a gentle reminder that spiritual liberation is attainable through ethical living and personal effort, without the need for elaborate rituals.

As part of the celebration, people also exchange heartfelt Mahavir Jayanti wishes and quotes that reflect the core messages of Jainism. Sharing these messages helps spread the spiritual essence of the festival and inspires others to lead a life rooted in virtue and peace.

Here are a few wishes and quotes you can share with your loved ones on Mahavir Jayanti 2025:

“Follow the path of truth, knowledge, and non-violence. Wishing you a blessed Mahavir Jayanti.”

“May the teachings of Lord Mahavira inspire you to live with compassion and humility.”

“On this holy occasion, let us remember that inner peace begins with kindness and ends with love. Happy Mahavir Jayanti.”

“Live and let live. May Lord Mahavira bless you with eternal joy and peace.”

As Mahavir Jayanti 2025 approaches, the essence of Lord Mahavira’s timeless message remains more relevant than ever. In a world increasingly divided by conflict and materialism, his teachings offer a beacon of hope, urging humanity toward unity, compassion, and spiritual awakening.