Why there are different paryushan for shwetambar and digambar

Short answer: The spirit is the same; the way of observing became different in the two traditions.

Why it differs

• Duration and focus

- Shwetambar: 8 days called Paryushan (Parvadhiraj). The focus is intense pratikraman, svadhyaya, fasting, and especially the public reading of Kalpasutra. The last day is Samvatsari, the great day of forgiveness (Michhami Dukkadam). - Digambar: 10 days called Das‑Lakshana Parva. Each day highlights one supreme virtue: Kshama, Mardava, Arjava, Shauch, Satya, Sanyam, Tap, Tyag, Akinchanya, Brahmacharya. Forgiveness is observed as Kshamavani, connected with the conclusion of Das‑Lakshana.

• Calendar calculations

- Both use the Jain luni‑solar calendar, but sects and regions follow slightly different starting points and tithi rules. So the dates (and even the exact day of the forgiveness observance) often do not coincide.

• Historical-liturgical development

- Over centuries, the two lineages shaped the festival around texts and practices they emphasized: Kalpasutra pravachan and Samvatsari pratikraman (Shwetambar) versus the ten‑virtue contemplation cycle (Digambar). The aim is identical: self‑purification through repentance, restraint, study, and universal forgiveness.

Essence preserved in both

• Alochana–pratikraman (confession and repentance)
• Pratyakhyan (resolutions), tapa (fasts), dana (charity)
• Forgiving and seeking forgiveness from all beings to lessen karmic bondage

For simple explanations of the days and purpose of Paryushan/Das‑Lakshana, see:

• Why Paryushan is observed
• Different days of Paryushan / Das‑Lakshana virtues