Answer

Digambar Jains say “sorry” during Kshamavani, which is observed after the completion of Das Lakshan Parva, a 10-day Jain festival mainly followed in the Digambar tradition.

Shwetambar Jains usually ask forgiveness on Samvatsari, which comes at the end of Paryushan. So the difference happens because the two traditions follow different festival calendars and observance patterns.

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, asking forgiveness is called Kshama. The spirit behind it is the same in both traditions:

• To remove anger, ego, hatred, and resentment
• To ask forgiveness from all living beings
• To forgive others sincerely
• To purify the soul from passions and bad feelings

Shwetambar tradition:

• Paryushan is generally observed for 8 days.
• The last day is Samvatsari.
• On this day, people say Michhami Dukkadam, meaning: “May my faults be forgiven.”

Digambar tradition:

• Das Lakshan Parva is observed for 10 days.
• Each day focuses on one supreme virtue, such as forgiveness, humility, truth, purity, self-restraint, and others.
• After these 10 days, Kshamavani is observed, when Jains ask forgiveness from everyone.

So Digambar Jains do not say sorry “late” in a negative sense. They say it according to their own traditional observance, after completing the 10 days of Das Lakshan.

Spiritual Understanding

The important point is not the date, but the inner feeling of forgiveness.

Whether one says Michhami Dukkadam on Samvatsari or observes Kshamavani after Das Lakshan, the Jain teaching is the same:

• I forgive all living beings.
• May all living beings forgive me.
• I have friendship with all.
• I have enmity with none.

Takeaway

Digambar Jains say sorry after 10 days because their main forgiveness day, Kshamavani, comes after Das Lakshan Parva. Shwetambar Jains say it on Samvatsari after Paryushan. The timing differs, but the Jain value of forgiveness is the same.