Mahavir Jayanti is the most important religious festival of Jainism. It is the birthday of Mahavira the last Tirthankara. He was born on the 13th day of the rising moon of Chaitra. There is a controversy regarding his birth year. It is either 599 BC or 615 BC; it varies according to the religious tradition. According to the Digambar school of Jainism, Lord Mahavira was born in the year 615 BC. But according to the Swetambar school of Jainism He was born in 599 BC. But both the sects believed that Mahavira was the son of Siddhartha and Trisala.
- According to the legend Mahavira was the son of Devananda wife of a Brahmin named Rishabhdeva. According to Swetambara sect the expectant mother saw 14 auspicious dreams. According to Digambara sect it was 16 dreams. The Astrologers understood these dreams and stated that the child would be either an emperor or a Tirthankar.
- Mahavir Jayanti falls on late March or early April.
- On Mahavir Jayanti, Jain temples are decorated with flags. The entire community throughout the country celebrates the festival.
- In the morning of the day the idol is given a ceremonial bath called the 'abhishek'. It is then placed in a cradle and carried in a procession around the whole city. The grand chariot processions with the idol and images of Mahavira are taken out.
- Rich ceremonies are held in all the temples all over the country Devotees fast and observe charities.
- Devotees make offerings of milk, rice, fruit, incense, lamps and water to the people in procession. People also participate in the grand procession.
- As Lord Mahavir was a great teacher his philosophies and teachings are in lectures on this day. The lectures include teachings of the true path of happiness, virtue, non violence and austerity.
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