Samvatsari is the most important and final day of Śvetāmbara Paryushan. It is the “annual day of forgiveness” (samvatsara = year), observed with deep repentance and purification.

What it means

• On Samvatsari, Jains seek and grant forgiveness to all living beings for any harm done by thoughts, words, or actions. We say “Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṁ,” meaning “May my faults be forgiven; may any harm be fruitless.”
• The core aim is to reduce karmic bondage through pratikraman (confession and repentance), austerity, and humility.

How it is observed (Śvetāmbara tradition)

• Samvatsari Pratikraman (a special annual atonement ritual)
• Fasting (upavās) or stronger vows, scriptural listening, meditation, and charity
• Personally asking forgiveness from family, friends, and all beings

Difference in Digambara tradition

• Digambar Jains observe the Day of Forgiveness as Kṣamāvaṇī on the last day of Daśa Lakṣaṇa Parva (their 10‑day festival following Śvetāmbara Paryushan). The essence is the same: universal forgiveness, repentance, and self-purification.

Essence

• Forgive and be forgiven
• Cleanse past faults
• Strengthen ahimsā, truth, self‑restraint, and non‑attachment

For a simple overview:

• Why we celebrate Samvatsari
• 8 days of Paryushan and Samvatsari focus