Answer

For 2026, the commonly observed Śvetāmbara Paryushan Mahaparva runs from Tuesday, September 8, 2026, to Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The last day is Samvatsari, the great day of forgiveness. ( jaincenternj.org)

If your community follows the Digambara tradition, the related observance is Das Lakshan Mahaparva, observed from September 16 to September 25, 2026. ( festivalsofindia.in)

Explanation

Śvetāmbara Paryushan: day-by-day importance

• Day 1: Focus on Amari Pravartana (non-violence), Chaitya Paripati (temple visits), Attham Tap (three-day fasting), Kshamapana (forgiveness), and Sadharmik Vatsalya (love and support for fellow Jains). ( jaina.org)
• Day 2: Dedicated to the eleven duties of a Shravak. ( jaina.org)
• Day 3: Emphasis on Paushadh Vrat, the practice of living like a sadhu for spiritual discipline. ( jaina.org)
• Days 4–7: Traditionally devoted to Kalpasutra recitation and discourses, especially the sacred life of Bhagwan Mahavir. ( jaina.org)
• Day 8 / Samvatsari: The most sacred day, marked by Samvatsari Pratikraman and asking forgiveness from all living beings. ( jaina.org)

Digambara Das Lakshan: day-by-day importance

• Day 1: Uttam Kshama — forgiveness. ( festivalsofindia.in)
• Day 2: Uttam Mardav — humility. ( festivalsofindia.in)
• Day 3: Uttam Arjav — straightforwardness. ( festivalsofindia.in)
• Day 4: Uttam Shauch — purity and contentment. ( festivalsofindia.in)
• Day 5: Uttam Satya — truth. ( festivalsofindia.in)
• Day 6: Uttam Sanyam — self-restraint. ( festivalsofindia.in)
• Day 7: Uttam Tap — penance. ( festivalsofindia.in)
• Day 8: Uttam Tyag — renunciation. ( festivalsofindia.in)
• Day 9: Uttam Akinchanya — non-possessiveness. ( festivalsofindia.in)
• Day 10: Uttam Brahmacharya — celibacy and purity of thought. ( festivalsofindia.in)

Spiritual Understanding

Paryushan is important because it is a time for self-purification, introspection, fasting, study, pratikraman, and forgiveness. In Jain tradition, its purpose is to reduce karmic burden and strengthen the soul’s journey toward liberation. ( jainpedia.org)

Takeaway

If you want a simple summary: Paryushan is the Jain festival of purification, and Samvatsari is its heart — the day of forgiveness. ( jaina.org)

If you want, I can also give you a clean printable 2026 Paryushan calendar in a simple day-wise format.