What do people do on uttam kshama day?

Uttam Kshama Day refers to the practice of supreme forgiveness in Jainism. It’s centered on recognizing and dissolving harm through forgiveness, humility, and self-purification.

What people typically do on this day:

• Seek forgiveness (apology) and offer forgiveness: Jains say “Michhami Dukkadam” (may I be forgiven for any wrong I have done) to everyone they know, and they forgive others in return.
• Perform pratikraman (confessional/review): a sometime-daily or special ritual where one reflects on past misdeeds, asks for forgiveness, and vows not to repeat them.
• Observe self-purification practices: many fast or reduce meals, restrain from engaging in negative actions like lying or harming others, and increase mindful living.
• Practice meditation and study: spend time in meditation, Namokar Mantra recitation, and reading Jain scriptures to reinforce forgiveness as a spiritual ideal.
• Engage in samayik (period of concentrated meditation): a fixed time for contemplation and self-discipline.
• Greet and reconcile: visit family, friends, and community members to openly seek forgiveness and mend relationships.

Notes on tradition:

• The emphasis on forgiveness is universal in Jainism, but there are slight practical differences between Digambar and Shwetambar communities regarding the exact day: many observe a day of forgiveness (Kshamavani) around the end of Paryushan (often called Samvatsari by Digambar and Kshamavani by others). Regardless of the date, the core practice is universal: cleanse the heart by asking for and granting forgiveness.

If you’d like, I can explain the exact date and corresponding customs for your specific Jain community (Digambar or Shwetambar) or provide the precise wording used during Michhami Dukkadam.