महावीर जयंती · મહાવીર જયંતી
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No upcoming date in 2026–2027 for Mumbai.
Birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. National public holiday.
The birth of Vardhamana Mahavira in Kundagrama, Bihar, in the sixth century BCE, the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara of this cycle. He renounced his household at thirty, attained kevala jnana after twelve years, and taught ahimsa, anekantavada and aparigraha.
A ceremonial procession, the rath yatra, carrying an image of Mahavira. Abhishek of the idol, prayers at temples, charitable giving, and organised feeding. Many Jains take vows of restraint for the day.
Strictly vegetarian and typically satvik, no root vegetables, no onion or garlic. Community meals are common.
Largest observances in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Bihar. Pilgrimage to Pawapuri, where Mahavira attained nirvana, and to Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat.
