Pan-India · March–April · Jain Festival
Mahavir Jayanti
Celebrating the Birth of Mahavira and Jain Principles of Ahimsa
Tags: Mahavir Jayanti · Jain Festivals · Mahavira · Ahimsa · Jainism · Indian Festivals
For India's Jain communities, **Mahavir Jayanti** commemorates the birth of **Mahavira**, the 24th Tirthankara.
Temples, prayers, charitable activities and teachings emphasize principles including **ahimsa** (nonviolence).
Jainism in India
Jain traditions have made profound contributions to Indian philosophy, commerce, art, architecture and vegetarian food culture.
Major Jain pilgrimage sites include **Palitana** (Gujarat), **Shravanabelagola** (Karnataka — famous for the 57-foot Bahubali statue), **Mount Abu** (Rajasthan — Dilwara temples), and **Sammed Shikharji** (Jharkhand).
Ahimsa — A Founding Principle
Mahavira taught that all living beings possess a soul and deserve compassion. This principle of **ahimsa** — non-violence in thought, word and deed — influenced Gandhi and, through him, movements for justice around the world.
Jain vegetarianism is arguably the strictest in India, avoiding root vegetables and certain foods to minimize harm.
Related articles
Related
- Indian Festivals — More celebrations.
- Rajasthan — Mount Abu Jain temples.