what are the main jain celebrations and festivals and when in the year do they occur
Here are the main Jain celebrations and the approximate time of year they occur. The exact dates vary each year because they are set by the lunar calendar, and there are small differences between Digambar and Shwetambar traditions.
- Mahavir Jayanti
- Paryushan Parva
- Samvatsari (the forgiveness day)
- Jain Diwali (Nirvan/Deepawali)
Notes on differences:
- The order, length, and emphasis of these festivals can differ between Digambar and Shwetambar communities. For example, the number of days for Paryushan and some ritual practices may vary between the two traditions.
- All dates are lunar and shift yearly; to know the exact date for a specific year, you would check the Jain calendar for that year.
If you’d like, I can look up the exact dates for a particular year you have in mind and provide the precise days for Mahavir Jayanti, Paryushan, Samvatsari, and Diwali as observed by Digambar and Shwetambar communities.