Here are four major Jain holidays with simple explanations:

• Mahavir Jayanti

- What it is: The birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankar. - Why it matters: It celebrates Mahavira’s life, his renunciation, and his teachings of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), and aparigraha (non-attachment). - How it’s observed: Many Jains visit temples, perform puja, listen to lectures on Mahavira’s life and teachings, and practice charity and self-discipline during the day.

• Paryushan Parva

- What it is: A holy “non-violence and purification” festival that lasts several days (usually around 8–10 days, varying by tradition). - Why it matters: It is a time for introspection, fasting, ethical purifications, and reading or listening to Jain scriptures. - How it’s observed: Devotional prayers, reflection on one’s conduct, voluntary fasting, and helping others. It culminates in Samvatsari, the day of forgiveness.

• Samvatsari (end of Paryushan)

- What it is: The most important day at the end of Paryushan, also called the Day of Forgiveness. - Why it matters: Practitioners seek forgiveness from all beings for any hurt caused, intentionally or unintentionally, in word, deed, or thought. - How it’s observed: Recitation of forgiveness prayers, a personal vow to improve conduct, and visits to friends and relatives to perform pratikraman (confession and repentance).

• Diwali (Nirvana of Mahavira)

- What it is: In Jainism, Diwali marks the nirvana (final liberation) of Lord Mahavira, not the same reason as in Hindu traditions. - Why it matters: It commemorates Mahavira attaining moksha and the spreading of the Jain dharma. - How it’s observed: Temple visits, lamp-lighting, prayers, and reflection on ethical living. Some Jains also perform charitable acts and read or recite Jain scriptures.

Notes:

• In Digambar and Shwetambar traditions, the emphasis and exact practices of these days can vary, but the core meanings—renunciation, self-purification, forgiveness, and the highest goal of liberation—remain central.
• If you’d like, I can provide the foundational verses or prayers associated with each of these holidays in a simple, clear form.