Paryushana Parva, one of the most significant festivals of the Jain community, is observed with austerity for eight days by the Swetambar sect for the upliftment of their soul through fasting, meditation, self-introspection and forgiveness.

Observed during the Bhadra month of the Hindu calendar (between August and September, according to the Gregorian calendar), Paryushana Parva celebrations this year started on 10 September and will end with the practice of forgiving one another on 17 September.

The festival is celebrated as Das Lakshana for 10 days by the Digambara sect of the Jain community. Both the sects start their celebration from Bhadra shukla panchami (fifth day of a fortnight).

The festival is celebrated during monsoon as some Jains, who travel all their life, cannot continue their barefoot journey when it rains. They use the period to spend their time in self-introsepction and purification of their souls.

For about 8 to 10 days, Jains practice Pratikramana (renewal meditation) or Uttam Kshama. They meditate twice daily, once in the morning and later in the evening.

Jains end the festival on Samvatsari or Paryushana (International Forgiveness Day) requesting forgiveness from all living beings for hurting them directly or indirectly. They chant the phrase – Micchami Dukkadam (May all my faults be dissolved) – to seek forgiveness.

They also recite a prayer for the purpose: 

Khamemi savva jive,
 Savve jiva khamantu me,
 Mitti me savva bhooesu,
 Veram majjha na kenai.

I grant forgiveness to all living beings,
May all living beings grant me forgiveness;
My friendship is with all living beings,
My enmity is non-existent.
Let there be peace, harmony, and prosperity for all.

During the celebration, the community recites the scripture about Lord Mahavira , his life and preachings. Jains are bound to follow 10 Uttam (Supreme) dharmas or righteous deeds.

  • Uttam Kshama (Forbearance, exercising self-control)
  • Uttam Mardava (Gentleness, being kind to the nature and living beings)
  • Uttam Aarjava (Uprightness, being honest with oneself)
  • Uttam Shauch (Purity, having clean thoughts and actions)
  • Uttam Satya (Truth, being truthful to everyone)
  • Uttam Sanyam (Restraint, exercising control over desires)
  • Uttam Tap (Austerity, consuming only according to necessity)
  • Uttam Tyaga (Renunciation, learning to sacrifice)
  • Uttam Aakinchanya (Lack of possession, donating excesses to needy)
  • Uttam Brahmcharya (Chastity, sexual restraint)

Below are a few messages to request forgiveness for your past deeds during the auspicious celebration of the annual Festival of Forgiveness.

May this Paryushan Parv brings you happiness and prosperity.
May we all get self-purification and uplift so that we can adhere
the ten universal virtues in our practical life successfully.
Have a blessed Paryushan Parv.

On the auspicious occasion of The Kshamavani divas,
I seek Kshama yachna from all of you for hurting the feelings of any one
knowingly or unknowingly in any form; in thought, words or deed,
directly or indirectly during last year.

Jai jinendra,
Is varsh me,
Mujse koi bhi galti jaane ya anjaane mein hui ho
To Samvatsari ke pavan avasar par
Tehe dil se Micchami Dukkadam

May this Paryushan Parv brings you happiness and prosperity.
May we all get self-purification and uplift so that we can adhere
the ten universal virtues in our practical life successfully.
Have a blessed Paryushan Parv.

Knowingly or unknowingly, by action or speech, words or deeds,
If I have ever hurt you, then with humble heart folded hands
Uttam Kshama

On the day of universal forgiveness,
I sincerely apologize for all my deeds, words, or imperceptibly
which might have hurt you.
Please forgive and forget.
Uttam Kshama