Posh Dashami, Poṣa‑daśamī, is a Jain festival that honors the birth of Lord Parshvanath (the 23rd Tirthankar). It is traditionally observed on the 9th, 10th, and 11th days of the dark half of the Poṣha/Māgsar period, though the exact Gregorian date changes each year depending on the local lunar calendar. Jains from all sects celebrate it as Parshvanath‑jayantī, a time to reflect, worship, and practice self‑discipline. You can read more here and here .

On these three days, the usual pattern includes community worship of Parshvanath, listening to sermons about his life, and singing hymns in his praise. A distinctive ritual is the lamp ceremony with a lamp that has 108 wicks, used during the evening puja. Lay devotees often take spiritual vows related to food, such as partial fasting or stricter dietary restrictions, and many participate in fasting or reduced meals across the three days. In addition, followers perform familiar Jain rituals like visiting temples, reciting Navkar Mantra, and engaging in reflection or meditation. The overall aim is to cultivate peace, purity of mind, and progress toward spiritual goals, including moksha. For more details on the day’s practices and dates, see the pages here and here .

Traditionally, Poṣa‑daśamī is observed by both Śvetāmbara and Digambara Jains, though calendar calculations can differ by region (north Indian vs Gujarati calendars), so the exact tithi may vary. Despite calendar differences, the core spirit remains the same: honoring Parshvanath, practicing restraint, listening to teachings, and performing acts of devotion that lead the soul toward clarity and, ultimately, liberation. You can read more about Poṣa‑daśamī’s significance and communal character here and in the festival discussions on Poṣa‑daśamī here .