Paryushan History & Significance

Paryushan is the most important festival of the Jain year, observed over eight days (among Shvetambars) or ten days (the Digambar Das Lakshan Parva) in the month of Bhadrapada. In 2026 the Shvetambar Paryushan falls in September, ending on Samvatsari.

It is a period of intense self-discipline rather than celebration. Devotees fast — some for the entire eight days with only boiled water, others for alternate days — and increase their study of scripture, meditation and recitation of the Namokar Mantra. Many Jains reduce or give up their normal work during the period.

The central concept is the purification of the soul through restraint and introspection. During Paryushan, Jains examine their conduct over the past year, and the period ends with the practice of pratikraman — a formal, detailed ritual of reflection in which past actions are reviewed and forgiveness is sought.

The final day, Samvatsari, is the day of universal forgiveness. The greeting on that day is 'Michhami Dukkadam' — roughly, 'if I have caused you any hurt, may it come to nothing'. Jains send this greeting to everyone they know, including people they are estranged from, and it is one of the most distinctive practices in any Indian faith. The greeting is now commonly sent by message and email, which has made Samvatsari a widespread public observance well beyond the Jain community.