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 Paryushana is one of the major festivals of the people belonging to the religion of Jainism. It continues for eight long days and is practiced by the Swetabara sect. Paryushana falls during the month of August or September every year. It is during the monsoon months that the festival is observed. This festival propounds the principle of Ahimsa or non-violence among the people.
Paryushana Parva is a very auspicious festival that advocates the ten cardinal virtues of a human being. It stresses on forgiveness, charity, simplicity, contentment, truthfulness, self-restraint, fasting, detachment, humility and continence. During this time of the festival, the devotees ask for forgiveness from the people whom they have offended knowingly or unknowingly. People forget their old quarrels and the unity is fostered among the people.
Paryushana and Diwali are the two major festivals of the Jains. This festival marks the staying of the monks in one place during the rainy season. It is mentioned in the earlier religious texts that Lord Mahavira used to start the rituals of Paryushana on the day of Bhadrapada Shukla panchami.
People spend the day listening to the statement of the Dharma and by doing meditation. Devotees practice vratas and the Digambaras, practice 10 day Paryushana while the Swetambaras practice an 8-day festival. The Digambaras recite Kalpa Sutra during the 8 day festival. The devotees of the Digambara sect, recite Tatvartha-sutra of Umaswati. Special worship is done during the Paryushana festival.
A long procession to mark this auspicious festival leads to the amin temple. People believe that if you worship during this festival all your wishes will cone true. The festival is said to show the path of virtuousness. Sins are washed away during this festival. The soul becomes purified of the worshippers, who can enjoy a pious way of living. It is the time of the year, when people look back and reflect on their own actions.
People keep fast to make Paryushana a successful one. You can even find people keeping fast for the 8 long days. The Jains abstains from eating garlic, onion, potatoes and root vegetables at this time of the year. Counted as one of the major festivals of India, Paryushana is largely practiced and enjoyed with great pomp and religious fervor.
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