Paryushana

Practice

Paryushana is practised for eight days by the Swetambara sect of the Jains, while celebrations last for ten days among the Digambars. Paryushana marks the retreat of the nomadic monks for two reasons. Monsoon showers and torrential rains made it impossible for the monks to travel across the country. This coupled with the principle of Ahimsa or non-violence, made it difficult for them not to trample on and squash insects and other forms of life that emerged in the monsoon.

Paryushana is marked by strict observance of the ten cardinal virtues: forgiveness, charity, simplicity, contentment, truthfulness, self-restraint, fasting, detachment, humility and continence. They also observe a unique custom, where they ask every individual they may have offended during the year for forgiveness. Old quarrels are forgotten and friendships and relationships renewed, as they fold their hands and ask for "Micchamidukadam" or forgiveness.

Time: August / September every year, coinciding with the South-West monsoon.

Place: Jain communities