Paryushan is celebrated for self‑purification and returning to the path of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct. It is the most sacred annual time to turn inward, reduce karmas, and live Jain values with full discipline.

Why we celebrate

• To purify the soul through fasting, restraint, study, meditation, and repentance.
• To practice ahimsa in thought, word, and deed with extra care during the rainy season (chaturmas).
• To do pratikraman: confess, repent, and resolve not to repeat faults.
• To cultivate forgiveness and universal friendship, ending with “Micchami Dukkadam.”

Meaning of “Paryushan”

• Commonly explained as “to stay close (to the Self)”—a period of inner settling, sense‑control, and calm.

Main observances

• Daily pratikraman and scriptural study (svadhyaya).
• Fasting as per capacity (from ayambil/ekasana to extended fasts).
• Samayik, pratyakhyan, kayotsarga, and listening to pravachans.
• Seeking and granting forgiveness to all beings.

Two traditions (both fully respected)

• Shwetambar: 8 days of Paryushan, with recital of Kalpasutra in many sanghs; the last day is Samvatsari, the great day of forgiveness (Micchami Dukkadam).
• Digambar: 10 days of Das‑Lakshan Parva, each day focusing on one supreme virtue—Kshama (forgiveness), Mardava (humility), Arjava (straightforwardness), Shauch (purity/contentment), Satya (truth), Sanyam (self‑restraint), Tap (austerity), Tyag (renunciation), Akinchanya (non‑attachment), Brahmacharya (celibacy). The festival concludes with Kshamavani (Forgiveness Day).

Essence

• We celebrate Paryushan to lessen passions (krodh, maan, maya, lobh), repair relationships through forgiveness, and strengthen our vows for the year ahead—walking steadily toward moksha.

For simple explanations on Paryushan and its importance, you can read here:

• Why Paryushan is celebrated
• What is Paryushan
• Importance of each day and Das‑Lakshan virtues