MAHAVIR JAYANTI : The Birth Of The Great Tirthankara

On the 13th day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra, falls the most important festival of the Jains. The birthday of their 24th Tirthankara, Mahavir, is celebrated with solemnity and worship. Almost all Jains visit a derasaror temple. Vyakhyan or religious lectures are given by the Mums to remind their followers of the path of dharma. At home, families prepare special sweets and festive food. Four activities are typical of the celebration of Mahavir Jayanti - good food, worship, lectures or meditation on the path of virtue and lastly, the merit of saving cows from slaughter by donations of money.