Samvatsari Pratikraman is the culmination of Paryushan festival and is the day of forgiveness (Kshama). It is observed by Jains to cleanse mistakes of the past year and to seek forgiveness from all living beings, while also offering forgiveness to others.

What it signifies

• Main purpose: sincerely acknowledge faults, repent, and seek pardon from all beings; also grant pardon to anyone who harmed you.
• Spiritual aim: cultivate humility, non-violence (ahimsa), and self-purification for the coming year.

When and how it is done

• Timing: on the last day of Paryushan (varies by region and calendar), Jains worldwide observe Samvatsari with special Pratikraman.
• General practice: families or temple groups gather, perform Pratikraman (repentance ritual), and recite prayers and mantras. The ritual centers on reflection, confession, and forgiveness.
• Core acts in practice:

- Kshama (forgiveness) prayers: requesting forgiveness from all beings for any harm caused knowingly or unknowingly. - Pratikraman: a recitation/chanting of the pratikraman text, self-inquiry, and reflection on one’s thoughts, speech, and actions. - Aachaman (drinking of water with a prayerful intent) and other cleansing rites as per local tradition. - Namokar and other devotional recitations may accompany the ritual. - Pratyakhyana (vow to avoid faults) and a pledge to improve in the coming year. - Exchange of greetings of forgiveness (kshamapana) with family, friends, and community.

Notes on differences

• Digambar vs. Shwetambar traditions: both traditions observe Samvatsari and Pratikraman, but the wording of prayers, specific sequences, and ritual customs may differ. The underlying spirit—confession, repentance, and forgiveness—remains the same.

If you’d like, I can provide a simple, traditional outline or a short English paraphrase of the Pratikraman portions used in either Digambar or Shwetambar practice, or point you to a Jains Knowledge resource that details the exact chants and sequence.