Mahavir Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the 24th and last Jain Tirthankar Lord Mahavir, is being observed across the country today. It is one of the most sacred days for the Jain community. The followers of Lord Mahavir celebrate this festival by chanting prayers, offering Prasad and participating in chariot processions.
In Maharashtra, the 2623rd birth anniversary of Mahavir Swami, called Mahavir Jayanti, is being celebrated today with devotion and enthusiasm. Mahavir Jayanti holds great spiritual and cultural significance for the Jain community as it commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara. One of the key highlights of Mahavir Jayanti is the Rath Yatra, where Lord Mahavir’s idol is placed on a decorated chariot and taken out in a grand procession accompanied by devotional songs and chanting.
In Bihar, people from the Jain community are observing Mahavir Jayanti, the birth anniversary of 24th Tirthankar, at several places in Nalanda, Vaishali and Jamui districts. Shobha Yatra, rituals of Mastakabhishek and a devotional programme are being organised at Kundalpur in the Vaishali district, which is the birthplace of Lord Mahavir. A large number of Jain devotees and followers have also gathered at Pawapuri in Nalanda, which is also associated with the 24th Jain Teerthanka, where Vardhaman Mahavir attained Moksha. At Jal Mandir in Pawapuri, a large number of Jain devotees are offering prayers. Similarly, on the Lachhuar hillock in the Jamui district, processions are being carried out with holy chants. The teaching of Lord Mahavir was spread over in different regions with dialects of Prakrit and Vajjika, which were the main mediums of instruction. Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar have extended greetings of the day to the people.
It’s a day to reflect on the Lord Mahavir’s path of renunciation and self-discipline, and devotees mark the occasion with prayers, temple visits, charitable acts, and community service, aiming to live by his message of peace and spiritual awakening.
