Paryushana is the most important annual holy events for Jains and is usually celebrated in August or
September. It lasts 8 Days for swetambara and 10 days for digambara sect of Jains . It is believed that the
devas (heavenly beings) do an eight-part puja (worship) of the tirthankaras, which takes eight days.
Jains increase their level of spiritual intensity often using fasting and prayer/meditation to help. The
five main vows are emphasized during this time. There are no set rules, and followers are encouraged to
practice according to their ability and desires. Normally, Digambaras refer it as Das Lakshana Parva while
Swetambars refer to it as Paryushana (“abiding” or “coming together”). The duration of Paryushana is for
eight days for Swetambara Jains and ten days for Jains belonging to the Digambara sect. The festival ends
with the celebration of Kshamapana parva also known as Samvatsari Mahaparva (forgiveness day).
Paryusana means “abiding and coming together”. It is a time when the Jains take on vows of study and
fasting.
At the conclusion of the festival, followers request forgiveness from others for any offenses committed
during the last year. Forgiveness is asked by saying Micchami Dukkadam to others, which means, “If I have
offended you in any way, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word or action, then I seek your
forgiveness.” Forgiveness is sought not just from human colleagues, but from all living beings ranging from
one sensed to five sensed. Forgiving and seeking forgiveness oils the wheel of life allowing us to live in
harmony with our fellow beings.