Samvatsari is the Day of Forgiveness in Jainism. It is the final day of the Paryushan festival for Śvetāmbara Jains and is the central occasion for atonement, reflection, and reconciliation.

Key points

• Meaning: Saṃvatsari means the annual/year-end day. It marks the culmination of a period of intensified spiritual practice and self-scrutiny. ( jainknowledge.com)
• Purpose: To seek forgiveness from all living beings for faults committed knowingly or unknowingly, and to grant forgiveness to others for any hurt received. The core phrase used is Michhami Dukkadam (or its variants), meaning “may all the misdeeds be forgiven.” ( jainknowledge.com)
• Practices: Special Pratikraman (repentance and reflection), often fasting or additional penances, visiting temples, listening to scriptures, and reaching out to relatives and friends to reconcile. ( jainknowledge.com)

Differences between Śvetāmbara and Digambara

• Śvetāmbara: Samvatsari is the last day of Paryushan and is observed as the main forgiveness day (Kshamavani) with the annual Pratikraman. ( jainknowledge.com)
• Digambara: They observe Kshamavani on a different, sect-specific day tied to their Das Lakṣhaṇa Parva, but the spirit is the same—seek and grant forgiveness to purify the soul. Dates differ because of the calendar they follow. ( en.wikipedia.org)

In short, Samvatsari is the yearly, unified moment in Jain practice to cleanse the heart of anger, pride, deceit, and hatred through forgiveness and sincere self-reflection. You can read more here and here .