Here are the main Jain occasions where warm wishes are especially appreciated:

1. Mahavir Jayanti (Mahavir Janma Kalyanak)

- What: Birth anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar. - When to greet: On Mahavir Jayanti day (usually in March–April, date changes every year). - Simple wish: “Blessed Mahavir Jayanti to you and your family – may we follow Bhagwan Mahavir’s path of ahimsa and truth.”

1. Paryushan (Śvetāmbara) / Das Lakshana (Digambara)

- What: The most important annual festival of introspection, repentance, and spiritual discipline. - When to greet: During the festival days, especially near the end. - Simple wish: “Shubh Paryushan / Shubh Das Lakshana – may this time bring inner peace and spiritual growth.”

1. Samvatsari / Kshamavani (Forgiveness Day)

- What: The final day of Paryushan (Śvetāmbara: Samvatsari) or of Das Lakshana (Digambara: Kshamavani) – day of universal forgiveness. - Very important to Jains. - Traditional phrase: “Micchami Dukkadam” (Śvetāmbara) / “Kshamachana” / “Kshamavani” (often in Digambara usage) – meaning, “May my mistakes be forgiven / May my wrongs be fruitless.” - Simple message: “On this holy day, if I have hurt you in any way, knowingly or unknowingly, Micchami Dukkadam / Kshamavani.”

1. Jain Diwali (Nirvan of Bhagwan Mahavir)

- What: Marks Mahavir’s attainment of Moksha (liberation), not a fireworks festival. - When to greet: On Diwali day (same lunar night as general Diwali, but different meaning). - Simple wish: “Shubh Jain Diwali – may the light of Mahavir’s keval-jnan guide us towards true knowledge and non‑violence.”

1. Jain New Year (day after Diwali, in many communities)

- What: Start of the new year in many Jain calendars. - When to greet: The day after Diwali. - Simple wish: “Shubh Jain New Year – may this year bring you spiritual progress and peace.”

1. Other occasions (optional but nice to acknowledge)

These are meaningful but a bit more “insider”: - Gyan Panchami / Shrut Panchami – festivals honoring Jain scriptures and knowledge. - Birth (Janma Kalyanak) or Nirvan days of other Tirthankars (like Parshvanath). - Kartak Purnima / other local Jain parvas – depending on your friends’ community.

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Practical tip if you’re unsure of exact dates

• Dates change each year with the lunar calendar.
• The safest and most meaningful days to remember for greetings are:

- Mahavir Jayanti - Paryushan / Das Lakshana period - Samvatsari / Kshamavani (Micchami Dukkadam) - Jain Diwali - Jain New Year

If you remember just these, your Jain friends will feel very respected and understood.

You can read more about the four major Jain holidays here: