Hubbry Logo
SamvatsariSamvatsariMain
Open search
Samvatsari
Community hub
Samvatsari
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Samvatsari
Samvatsari
Samvatsari
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Samvatsari
The Jain flag in India
Official nameSamvatsari Pajushan
Also calledForgiveness Day
Observed byŚvetāmbara sect of Jains worldwide
Liturgical colorWhite
TypeJain
SignificanceLast day of Paryushan festival, on which Jains forgive and seek forgiveness from all living beings
Celebrations1 day
ObservancesMicchami Dukkadam (Asking for forgiveness), Pratikramana (Introspection)
DateBhadrapada Shukla Panchami
FrequencyAnnual
Related toParyushan, Kshamavani
Part of a series on
Jainism
Philosophy
Ethics
Ethics of Jainism
Mahavratas (major vows)
Anuvratas (further vows)
Jain prayers
Major figures
Major sects
Schools and Branches
Jain literature
Festivals
Pilgrimages
Tirth
Other

Saṃvatsari (Sanskrit: संवत्सरी) (lit. Annual Day or fig. Forgiveness Day) is the last day of Paryushana according to the Śvetāmbara sect of Jainism. It falls on Shukla Choth each year in the Jain calendar month of Bhadrapada, somewhere between the middle of August and September in the Gregorian calendar.

On this day, Jains forgive and seek forgiveness for their mistakes committed, knowingly or unknowingly, on all the living beings. A yearly, elaborate penitential retreat called "samvatsari pratikramana" is performed on this day. After the pratikramana, Jains seek forgiveness from all the creatures of the world, including friends and relatives by uttering the phrase — Micchami Dukkadam or its variants like "Khamau Sa", "Uttam Kshama" or "Khamat Khamna".

Etymology

[edit]

Samvatsari is derived Sanskrit language. Samvatsara refers to a "year" in Vedic literature such as the Rigveda and other ancient texts.[1] Thus, Samvatsari literally refers to a day that comes annually.

Customs and Traditions

[edit]

As a matter of ritual, they personally greet their friends and relatives Micchami Dukkadam. No private quarrel or dispute may be carried beyond Saṃvatsarī and messages, telephone calls are made to the outstation friends and relatives, asking their forgiveness.[2]

Being the holiest day of the Jain calendar,[3][4] many Jains observe a complete fast on this day.

Samvatsari and Kshamavani

[edit]

While Samvatsari and Kshamavani are typically associated with Śvetāmbara sect and Digambara respectively, there is no major difference between the two days and both are observed as Forgiveness Days. Rather, the two are usually used interchangeably.

However, a major difference between the two is that despite both Samvatsari and Kshamavani falling on the last day of Paryushan, they are in fact two different days. This is because the Paryushan festival for the two sects itself commences on different dates and is of varying duration.

As a result, while Samvatsari is observed on Shukla Chaturthi of Bhadrapada month by the Śvetāmbaras, the Digambaras celebrate it on the first day of Ashvin Krishna month of the lunar-based Jain calendar.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Samvatsari

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Samvatsari is the annual day of primarily observed by Svetambara Jains worldwide as the culminating event of the Parva festival, emphasizing reconciliation and spiritual renewal through seeking and granting pardon to all living beings. This sacred observance, known as among Jains or Forgiveness Day, falls on the final day of for Svetambara Jains, which spans eight days, and on the final day of the ten-day Das Lakshan Parva for Jains, typically in August or September according to the , corresponding to the Bhadrapada month of the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival holds profound significance in Jainism as a time for introspection, atonement, and purification of the soul by shedding vices such as anger, pride, deceit, and attachment, thereby reducing karmic bondage and fostering inner peace. Inspired by the teachings of Lord Mahavira, Samvatsari promotes universal brotherhood and non-violence (ahimsa), encouraging participants to reflect on their actions and vow not to repeat past transgressions. Key rituals include the performance of Pratikraman, a structured practice of repentance and self-analysis conducted daily during Paryushana and culminating on Samvatsari, where Jains recite prayers like "Khamemi Savve Jiva" to humbly seek forgiveness from every soul. On this day, devotees often fast, engage in meditation, attend scriptural recitations or sermons (pravachan), and exchange messages of forgiveness, such as "Michhami Dukkadam" (may all my faults be forgiven), with family, friends, and the broader community. These practices underscore Samvatsari's role as a cornerstone of Jain ethics, accessible to all and aimed at liberating the soul from cycles of suffering.

Background in Jainism

Paryushana Parva

Parva is an annual Jain festival dedicated to introspection, fasting, and moral vigilance, observed during the monsoon season period known as , when monks traditionally remain stationary to minimize harm to living beings. The festival spans eight days for Shvetambara Jains, commencing on Bhadrapada Shukla 1 and concluding on Bhadrapada Shukla 8, while Digambara Jains observe it for ten days as Dashalakshana Parva, from Bhadrapada Shukla 1 to 10. Its core purpose centers on spiritual purification, attained through the practice of key vows including non-violence (), truthfulness (), and non-attachment (aparigraha), alongside daily recitations from sacred Jain scriptures such as the Kalpa-sūtra. Aligned with the Jain , Paryushana typically occurs in August or September according to the ; for example, Shvetambara Jains observed it in 2025 from August 21 to 28. Rooted in Jain cosmology as an eternal observance unbound by specific historical events, the festival predates recorded history and embodies timeless principles of self-discipline and ethical renewal. Samvatsari serves as the culminating day of Paryushana Parva.

Etymology of Samvatsari

The term Samvatsari derives from the Prakrit word saṃvacchara (also appearing as samvatsara in related Sanskrit forms), which signifies "year" or "annual cycle," with the suffix -i denoting a designated day linked to this period, thereby connoting an "annual day" or, within Jain tradition, the "annual day of atonement." This linguistic root emphasizes the observance's role in marking the culmination of a yearly spiritual reckoning. In Shvetambara Jain tradition, the concluding day of is known as Samvatsari and is associated with texts like the , which detail rituals of reflection and scriptural recitation to close the festival. The , one of the earliest Jain canonical works composed in , underscores this positioning by detailing monastic rules and festival observances that frame Samvatsari as a pivotal annual event. The terminology originated in ancient as used in the Jain Āgamas, the foundational scriptures transmitted orally and later compiled, reflecting the language's prevalence in early from around the 5th century BCE onward. Over centuries, it transitioned into modern vernaculars such as and Gujarati, where the term Samvatsari persists unchanged in pronunciation and meaning among contemporary , adapting to regional dialects while preserving its core scriptural essence. A related concept is Varsitap Parna, an alternative designation meaning "completion of the year," which highlights the day's function in ending the annual cycle of observances and fasts.

Significance and Themes

Day of Forgiveness

Samvatsari serves as the Day of in , embodying the central theme of kṣamā () toward all living beings, seeking and granting pardon for transgressions—intentional or unintentional—committed against every living being throughout the year. This practice underscores the commitment to interpersonal and spiritual , allowing Jains to reflect on harms inflicted through thought, word, or deed and to extend to others in return. As the culmination of Parva's period of introspection, it emphasizes the release of grudges and the cultivation of empathy toward all souls. The philosophical basis of this observance is deeply rooted in the teachings of , the 24th who lived in the 6th century BCE, who propagated the doctrines of (non-violence) and (the multiplicity of perspectives) as pathways to ethical living. Ahimsa requires abstaining from harm to any form of life, while anekantavada fosters tolerance by acknowledging diverse viewpoints, both of which support forgiveness as a means to mitigate ego-driven conflicts and promote universal compassion. Through this day, Jains pursue the purification of karma—subtle matter that binds the soul to the cycle of rebirth—aiming ultimately for , or soul liberation, by atoning for accumulated karmic debts and recommitting to non-violent conduct. Symbolically, Samvatsari marks a renewal of vows and a moral reset for the ensuing year, symbolizing the shedding of past faults to embark on a purified ethical path aligned with Jain ideals of self-discipline and . This focus on extends beyond the individual, exerting a significant cultural impact by fostering and unity in families and communities, where mutual dissolves animosities and reinforces collective bonds rooted in shared reverence for all life.

Spiritual and Ethical Importance

Samvatsari serves as a pivotal occasion for spiritual renewal in , enabling practitioners to atone for transgressions committed over the past year through the Pratikraman ritual. This process facilitates the shedding of accumulated karmic defilements, known as nirjara, which purifies the and reduces the intensity and duration of karmic bondage. By engaging in and , individuals actively work to stop the inflow of new karma (samvara) and exhaust existing attachments, thereby advancing toward , the state of that precedes ultimate liberation or . This annual atonement underscores the Jain belief that consistent purification elevates the from its entangled state in samsara toward eternal freedom. Ethically, Samvatsari reinforces the foundational principles of Jain conduct by prompting deep reflection on the five core vows— (non-violence), (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), (chastity), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness)—particularly emphasizing aparigraha and asteya to curb greed and dishonesty. Through reviewing violations of these vows, practitioners strengthen their commitment to ethical living, fostering progress along the 14 gunasthanas, the stages of spiritual development that mark the soul's ascent from delusion to enlightenment. This introspective practice not only minimizes future ethical lapses but also cultivates inner discipline, aligning personal actions with the broader Jain ethical superstructure built upon these vows. In the context of Jain cosmology, Samvatsari aligns with the eternal, cyclical nature of time, denoted as samvatsara or the annual period within the vast (wheel of time), which consists of ascending and descending eras without beginning or end. By marking the conclusion of one samvatsara and the onset of another, the observance mirrors the soul's perpetual journey through samsara, where each cycle offers opportunities for karmic resolution and spiritual evolution toward . This temporal alignment reinforces the Jain view of the as an uncreated, rhythmic process, encouraging adherents to synchronize their inner purification with cosmic rhythms. Beyond personal growth, Samvatsari promotes broader societal ethics by nurturing empathy and facilitating through the act of seeking and granting , which extends the principle of to interpersonal relations. This fosters harmonious communities and influences Jain practices such as ethical business conduct, where adherence to asteya and aparigraha promotes transparency and non-exploitation, and strict , rooted in non-violence toward all life forms. Such ethical extensions highlight Samvatsari's role in cultivating that permeates daily life and social interactions.

Rituals and Observance

Pratikraman Ritual

The Pratikraman ritual, derived from the words pra (return) and atikraman (transgression), literally means "turning back" from sins and violations to the path of purification through , , and . In , it serves as a structured process to review and atone for karmic influxes, helping practitioners shed negative karma and strengthen ethical vows. Pratikraman exists in multiple forms based on frequency: Devasi (daily evening), Rayi or Raishi (daily morning), Pakshik (fortnightly), Chaturmasik (quarterly), and the annual Samvatsari version, which is the most elaborate and mandatory observance culminating Parva. The Samvatsari Pratikraman specifically addresses transgressions accumulated over the entire year, typically lasting 2 to 3 hours in a focused, meditative session. The ritual's step-by-step process emphasizes internal purification and begins with homage to the Tirthankaras via recitation of the Logassa Sutra, which invokes the 24 enlightened beings, followed by the Navkar Mantra honoring the five supreme beings (Panch Parameshti: Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus). Participants then engage in confession of 108 transgressions linked to the twelve layperson vows (such as non-violence and truthfulness), categorized into faults of the mind (e.g., , deceit), speech (e.g., lying, harsh words), and body (e.g., harming living beings), recited through sutras like Iriyavahiya, Tassa Utthari, and Tassa Michchhami Dukkadam to express . This is succeeded by phases of (Pratyakhyana), where one vows to abstain from future violations, and Kayotsarga in a motionless posture for focused introspection, culminating in a resolve for moral improvement and equanimity. Essential materials include (mala or Navkarvali) with 108 beads symbolizing key attributes of the , the Samvatsari Pratikraman scripture for guided recitations, a muhapatti (mouth cover to prevent inadvertent harm through breath), and a clean (katasanu) for seating, often conducted in temple halls or quiet home spaces to minimize distractions. The ritual integrates seamlessly with practices, such as upvas (complete from food and water) on Samvatsari itself or partial fasts () during the preceding days of , enhancing spiritual discipline and amplifying the atonement's purifying effects. This internal self-examination through Samvatsari Pratikraman paves the way for the external forgiveness-seeking in the subsequent ceremony.

Kshamavani Ceremony

The ceremony serves as the central communal forgiveness practice during Samvatsari for Shvetambara Jains and on the concluding day of Das Lakshan Parva for Jains, emphasizing atonement for any harm inflicted through thoughts, words, or actions. Participants actively visit family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and temples to personally request , often supplemented by phone calls, letters, or messages in contemporary settings, thereby strengthening social bonds and promoting (non-violence). This outward expression of follows the introspective Pratikraman ritual, transforming individual reflection into collective reconciliation. Key to the ceremony are the ritual phrases exchanged during interactions: Shvetambara Jains commonly utter , a Prakrit expression translating to "may all my faults be nullified," while Digambara Jains commonly use Uttam Kshama (supreme ), with both sects reciting the traditional including Khamantu me (may all forgive me). The complete Kshamavani —"Khamemi savve , savve khamantu me, mitti me savva bhuesu, veram majjham na kenavi"—is recited collectively or individually, invoking forgiveness toward and from all souls to dissolve enmities and karmic residues. The protocol entails approaching others with deference, including prostrations known as pranam to convey and , particularly toward elders and spiritual guides. In many communities, participants exchange sweets or modest gifts as symbols of restored harmony and goodwill, underscoring the ceremony's role in communal healing. Performed immediately after Pratikraman, the observance typically unfolds in the evening of Samvatsari (or the equivalent day for Digambaras) and may continue into the following day in certain regions, enabling broader participation amid family gatherings and temple visits.

Modern and Global Aspects

Contemporary Celebrations

Samvatsari is observed annually by across the globe, with significant concentrations in India's and states, as well as diaspora populations in the United States, , and . These celebrations align with the lunar-based but are adapted to local Gregorian dates for practical observance; for instance, in 2025, Svetambara Jains marked the occasion on August 28. In , organizations like the of Jain Associations in (JAINA) coordinate events across over 70 centers serving approximately 200,000 members, fostering unity among diverse subgroups. Similarly, UK-based groups such as the Oshwal Association host temple-based gatherings, while Canadian centers like the emphasize communal reflection. Modern adaptations have enabled Samvatsari to thrive amid urban and diaspora challenges, including virtual exchanges through video calls and mobile applications, which gained prominence during the to maintain interpersonal forgiveness rituals remotely. Post-pandemic, hybrid events combining in-person and virtual participation have become common, as seen in JAINA's ongoing online resources. JAINA facilitated widespread participation in online Pratikraman sessions in 2020, allowing Jains in the and to join from home without physical temple access. Eco-friendly practices further align celebrations with principles, featuring plant-based feasts that avoid root vegetables and emphasize sustainable, vegan meals to minimize harm to living organisms—customs reinforced during Paryushana's periods. These innovations preserve the festival's essence while addressing environmental concerns, such as promoting organic and locally sourced foods in community events. Community events form the heart of contemporary observances, featuring temple gatherings, lectures on ethical living, and targeted youth programs to engage younger generations. In the , JAINA and its affiliate Young Jains of America (YJA) offer online resources, including Pratikraman booklets with English translations and virtual workshops for ages 14-29, promoting through interactive sessions. and Canadian communities host similar activities, such as ethics discussions at the Jain Center of and multi-day programs at the Jain Society of , blending traditional storytelling with modern multimedia. These initiatives, often culminating in collective recitations, strengthen social bonds and educate on non-violence. While retaining core rituals like Pratikraman for spiritual introspection, contemporary Samvatsari faces challenges in balancing ancient traditions with fast-paced modern lifestyles, prompting evolutions such as abbreviated home-based observances. There is growing emphasis on the mental health benefits of practices, which help reduce stress and foster emotional resilience by releasing grudges and promoting . This shift underscores the festival's adaptability, ensuring its relevance for urban professionals and diaspora youth navigating cultural preservation alongside daily demands.

Differences Across Jain Sects

The observance of Samvatsari exhibits notable differences between the Shvetambara and Digambara sects of , primarily stemming from variations in festival duration, ritual emphasis, and monastic practices. In the Shvetambara tradition, Samvatsari is strictly observed on the eighth and final day of the eight-day Parva, featuring elaborate Pratikraman rituals that culminate in the exchange of forgiveness using the phrase "," meaning "may all my faults be forgiven." Shvetambara monks, known as "white-clad," wear simple white robes as a symbol of purity and renunciation, aligning with their doctrinal acceptance of minimal possessions for ascetics. In contrast, the sect observes the equivalent conclusion, known as Samvatsari or , on the tenth day of the ten-day Dashalakshana Parva, which focuses on cultivating the ten (dashalakshana), including (kshama) as one of its core elements. practitioners conclude with rites using phrases like "Uttam Kshama" or "Kshama Swikaro," alongside variations of "Khamemi Savve ," integrating into a broader framework of virtuous living rather than a standalone annual event. monks, referred to as "sky-clad," practice complete to embody total detachment from material possessions, a practice that underscores their stricter ascetic code. These differences reflect key doctrinal divergences: Shvetambaras emphasize universal annual through detailed scriptural rituals preserved in their Agamas, promoting a structured yearly renewal for all adherents. Digambaras, however, embed within the ten virtues, viewing it as an ongoing ethical pursuit without always labeling it separately as "Samvatsari" in their texts, which prioritize liberation through extreme . Both sects share the underlying theme of rooted in Mahavira's teachings on non-violence and . The historical split between the sects around the 1st century CE, following a famine that led to migrations and differing interpretations of ascetic conduct, significantly influenced these festival practices. The Shvetambara canon developed more elaborate descriptions of annual rituals during this period, while Digambara traditions evolved to incorporate the ten-virtue framework, solidifying the distinct approaches to spiritual observance.

References

  1. https://orsl.usc.edu/life/jain-holy-days-calendar/
  2. https://www.jaina.org/page/09_02_18_ParyushanD8
  3. https://jvbnewjersey.org/paryushan-and-samvatsari/
  4. https://www.srmd.org/en-IN/wisdom/articles/what-is-paryushan/
  5. https://jainpedia.org/themes/practices/festivals/paryusan/
  6. https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/culture/article/paryushan-2025-check-dates-significance-and-rituals-of-the-jain-festival-23590556
  7. https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/samvacchara
  8. https://jainuniversity.org/paryushan-history/
  9. https://www.jaina.org/mpage/ParyushanDay4
  10. https://www.herenow4u.net/index.php?id=89906
  11. https://jainqq.org/booktext/%24JES_904_Compendium_of_Jainism_%28Jain_Academic_Bowl_Manual_3rd_Edition%29_Romanized/000021
  12. https://jainworld.com/education/jain-education-material/senior-level/pratikraman/
  13. https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1018&context=tdr
  14. https://pluralism.org/mahavira
  15. https://www.satyagrahafoundation.org/the-jain-declaration-on-nature/
  16. https://jainworld.jainworld.com/jainbooks/images/29/SIX_ESSENTIALS.htm
  17. https://www.jaina.org/page/KarmaTattvas/The-Philosophy-of-Karma-and-the-Nine-Jain-Tattvas.htm
  18. https://jainworld.com/library/jain-books/books-on-line/jainworld-books-in-indian-languages/antiquity-of-jainism/importance-assigned-to-five-vratas/
  19. https://www.wisdomlib.org/concept/gunasthana
  20. https://www.jaina.org/?page=FiveMahaVratas
  21. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/10/11/636
  22. https://vitraagjainsangh.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Pratikraman1.pdf
  23. https://jainelibrary.org/jainaedu.php?file=jaina_edu_book/%24jes931_english_pratikramana_color_000241_data.pdf
  24. https://www.jainheritagecentres.com/jainism/jain-festivals/dashalakshana-parva/kshamavani-parva-annual-forbearance-function/
  25. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332833090_Kshamavani_Celebrating_Forgiveness
  26. https://www.jaina.org/mpage/08072020_ENewsletter
  27. https://www.indiatvnews.com/lifestyle/spirituality/paryushan-2025-date-significance-rituals-food-recipes-2025-08-18-1004007
  28. https://www.jaina.org/page/AboutJAINA
  29. https://jsotcanada.org/paryushan-2024/
  30. https://www.jaina.org/page/08152020_ENewsletter
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSCOO1XPWyA
  32. https://www.vegansociety.com/news/blog/rediscovering-ahimsa-during-paryushan
  33. https://www.facebook.com/groups/foodiesonlyindia/posts/2650320651795372/
  34. https://www.jaina.org/page/PratikramanRegistration
  35. https://yja.org/paryushan-daslakshan
  36. https://jaincenterbc.org/upcoming-events/
  37. https://jainsocietyofseattle.org/paryushan/paryushan-mahaparve-2025/
  38. https://parasdham.org/the-power-of-forgiveness/
  39. https://minorstudy.com/10-powerful-reasons-why-samvatsari-festival-inspires-forgiveness-and-inner-peace/
  40. https://jainknowledge.com/question/5748/why-there-are-different-paryushan-for-shwetambar-and-digambar
  41. https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/subdivisions/subdivisions.shtml
  42. https://jainworld.com/literature/jain-history/religious-divisions/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.