Answer

Samvatsari Pratikraman is traditionally done on Samvatsari day in the evening, usually after sunset, during the proper Pratikraman time followed in your local Jain Sangh.

The exact starting time can vary by:

• Your city/location
• Sunset time
• Whether your Sangh follows Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjak, Sthānakavāsī, Terāpanth, or another tradition
• Local Sangh schedule

Explanation

For Samvatsari Pratikraman, the best approach is to follow the timing announced by your local Jain Sangh, Upāśray, Derasar, or Guru Bhagwant.

Commonly, many Sanghs begin in the late afternoon or evening, so that the Pratikraman is completed properly with devotion, reflection, repentance, and Michchhāmi Dukkaḍaṃ.

Spiritual Understanding

The main purpose of Samvatsari Pratikraman is not only the clock time, but the inner feeling of:

• Ālochana — sincere confession
• Pratikraman — repentance for past faults
• Pratyākhyān — resolve not to repeat mistakes
• Kṣamāpanā — asking forgiveness from all living beings

Takeaway

Start Samvatsari Pratikraman at the official time given by your local Jain Sangh. If you are doing it at home, begin in the evening around your local Pratikraman time, ideally after confirming with a knowledgeable person in your tradition.