Paryushana 2017: Know about Jain Festival of forgiveness, fasting rituals

Paryushana 2017 is one of the most important festivals of Jains, which lasts for about 8 to 10 days. The main objective of the this festival is to seek forgiveness from God for one's sins. Jainism has two main sects, Svetambara and Digambara.

When is Paryushana celebrated?

Paryushan 2017 will begin on August 18 at 1 am, and several Jains celebrate this week long festival according to their abilities.

What is the meaning of Paryushan?

Paryushan means "abiding and coming together', and it is the time when Jains vow to study and fast. There are no stringent rules on fasting and celebrating this festival.

Significance of Paryushana

Jains celebrate this festival of forgiveness by observing fasts and also indulging in several spiritually enlightening session of meditation. The celebration of Paryushana is observed by reciting the ten chapters of Tattvartha Sutra for Digambara Jains, who also organise several processions. The Svetambaras celebrate the festival by reciting Kalpa Sutra, which is a Jain text.

Fasting rituals

Digambara Jains observe the fast by not taking any food or water more than once in a day while Svetambaras Jains observe the fast by consuming only boiled water between sunrise and sunset. The span of the fast can last for a day to 30 days.

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