Paryushan (8 days) is the Shvetambar Jain community’s most important annual festival of self‑purification and forgiveness. It culminates on Day 8 with Samvatsari, the Great Day of Forgiveness.

Essence and aim

• Strengthen the three jewels: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct.
• Reduce Kashayas (anger, pride, deceit, greed) through austerity, study, and forgiveness.
• Offer universal forgiveness: “Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ” (If I have hurt you in any way, knowingly or unknowingly, I ask forgiveness).

Main practices during the 8 days

• Daily Pratikraman (introspection, repentance, vows renewal).
• Swādhyāya (scriptural study), pravachan, and listening to Kalpa Sūtra discourses on Lord Mahāvīra’s life.
• Tapasyā (austerities): from simple food discipline to fasts.
• Jīv-dayā (compassion to all beings): avoid harm, practice kindness and charity.
• Saṃyam (self‑restraint): truthfulness, non‑violence, celibacy, carefulness in movement, speech, and diet.
• Bhāvanā: cultivate forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, contentment, and non‑attachment.

Fasting options (select what is suitable and healthy)

• Upavās (1-day fast), Bēsanu/Chauvihar (eating before sunset/no food after noon), Ayambil (one bland, single‑grain meal), Ekāsaṇ/Beāsaṇ (one/two sittings), Atthai (all 8 days), alternating fasts, or other graded vows. Always maintain non‑violence toward the body and consult elders or doctors if needed.

Samvatsari (Day 8)

• Perform the annual Samvatsari Pratikraman with special emphasis on confession, repentance, and forgiveness.
• Personally seek and grant forgiveness to all: family, friends, colleagues, and all living beings—“Utthānam, micchāmi dukkaḍaṃ.”
• After Pratikraman, resume food mindfully, maintaining restraint and gratitude.

Shvetambar and Digambar note

• Shvetambar observe 8‑day Paryushan ending with Samvatsari.
• Digambar observe 10‑day Das‑Lakshan Parva, concluding with Ananta Chaturdashi; their universal forgiveness day (Kshamāvaṇī) is observed the day after.

Keep it simple through the festival

• Speak softly, avoid harm in thought, word, and deed.
• Reduce social media/entertainment; increase study, silence, and service.
• Eat sattvic, simple food; avoid night‑eating.
• Offer donations with humility; do not waste food, water, or resources.

May these eight days lead you to inner clarity, gentle conduct, and universal friendship. Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ.