MAHAVIR JAYANTI
Also known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, it is one of the more significant festivals of the Jain community across the world. It marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and the last Tirthankara of the Jains. A Tirthankara means a saviour and spiritual leader. It is celebrated on the 13th day of the Hindu month of Chaitra.
He was the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trisala in the palace of Vaishali. When he came of age, he ruled the kingdom for 30 years and then gave up everything and left to seek enlightenment.
Lord Mahavir propagated non-violence and preached love and respect for all kinds of living organisms from the tiniest to the largest. These preachings were translated into a religion that he founded – Jainism.
Celebrations vary across Jain communities. Usually, an idol of the founder of Jainism, Lord Mahavira, is carried on a chariot which is then taken on a procession popularly known as a Rath Yatra. The devotees sing Bhajans in praise of the Lord.