Jainism

Jainism was founded on the teaching of 24 Tirthankaras (liberated and enlightened persons) of whom Vardhamana Mahavira was the last. The religion has its roots in the Indian sub-continent. Jain philosophy provides a way of life for adherents. Shweetamber and Digamber are the two divisions of Jainism. These two sects differ in some of their religious beliefs, interpretations of scripture and daily and ascetic practices.

Jains believe in:

Jiva (eternal soul)
Ahimsa (non-violence)
Veganism
Aparigraha (non-acquisition)
Karma (cause and effect action)
Samsar (cycle of transmigration, birth and death)
Anekantvada (multiplicity of views)
Moksha (liberation from cycle of birth)

Jains fast regularly during the course of a year and also during many festivals and holy days. Jains follow the Vir Nirvan Smavat calendar with its roots in the Hindu calendar.

The Festival of Ten Virtues is the holiest day of Dashalakshani-parva for the Digambara sect.

Dev Diwali is celebrated on the full moon day in the first month of the Hindu/Jain calendar. Followers resolve to give up negative traits such as anger and greed in pursuit of spirituality. Jains remember their spiritual leaders on this day.

Also known as the Festival of Light, this date marks the day when Lord Mahavir attained salvation. It is celebrated with worship in the morning and illumination at night. 

This day is celebrated around the world by disciples to revere and honour their Gurus (spiritual masters). It is also celebrated by Hindus. 

The Digambara sect celebrates Dashalakshani-parva for ten days by fasting, worship, meditation, confession and by dedicating each day to a virtue: forgiveness, humility, honesty, purity, truthfullness, self-restraint, asceticism, study, detachment and celibacy. On Kshamavani, Jains ask for forgiveness of others for wrongs committed during the previous year, and likewise forgive those who caused them suffering. 

This day is celebrated on the fifth day after Diwali and is the most important of all Jain festivals. The purpose of the festival is to gain more wisdom, and honours knowledge and holy books. Temples are lit up, and rituals are performed involving books and writing instruments. The day may also include fasting, recitation and meditation.

This date marks the twenty-fourth Jina’s birthday and is celebrated with prayer and worship in temples. There are also public functions held to spread the teachings of Mahavir on this day.

Maun Agiyaras falls on the eleventh day of the fortnight of the waxing moon in the second calendar month. Jains observe total silence, fast, meditate and worship God on this day.

Jains begin the New Year with a glorification of Lord Guatamswami. Jains visit temple in the morning and offer prayers. Some devotees of Jainism fast for three days, including the New Year day. Traditions include visiting friends, family and neighbours, feasts, offering gifts, fireworks and lighting up the home. 

Nirvana Day is an annual Buddhist festival that remembers the death of the Buddha when he reached Nirvana at the age of 80. Nirvana is believed to be the end of the cycle of death and rebirth. Buddhism teaches that Nirvana is reached when all want and suffering is gone. Most Buddhists celebrate Nirvana Day on Feb. 15. Others celebrate it on Feb. 8. It is also known as Parinirvana Day.

Paryushan Parva is the holiest period of the year for the ascetic Shvetambara sect. Celebrated for eight days concluding on Samvatsari, it is a time for dedication to Jain ideals through fasting, worship of the Jina and reading the life story of Lord Mahavira from the Kalpasutra. 

The Day of Forgiveness is the last day of Paryushan. The Shvetembara sect observes by introspection, confession and penance. 