Samvatsari is the concluding day of Paryushan (for many Jains) and is all about forgiving and seeking forgiveness. Here’s a simple, authentic overview of what is said and what rituals are typically performed, with note on traditions.

What you say on Samvatsari

• The main spoken wish is to ask for forgiveness from all beings for any harm done, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word, or deed during the year. In common practice this is expressed as:

- “Michchhami Dukkadam” (Prakrit for “May all my misdeeds be forgiven; may you forgive me.”)

• In some communities you’ll also hear a more formal expression during Pratikraman, where the person recites a confession and a plea for pardon to the Tirthankaras, to all living beings, and to the Jain saints/teachers.

Rituals typically performed on Samvatsari

• Pratikraman (confession and repentance) – A guided ritual where you reflect on past actions, confess faults, and resolve to refrain from them in the coming year. It is often performed in a temple or at home, sometimes in a group with family or the community.
• Micchami Dukkadam repetition – During or after Pratikraman, people specifically state or exchange the forgiveness message with others: “Michhami Dukkadam.”
• Samayik (focused meditation) or Swadhyay (reading/sacred study) – Many observe a short period of mindful meditation and study of Jain scriptures during Paryushan, including on Samvatsari.
• Fasting or partial fasting – Observers may fast or reduce meals as a discipline to cultivate humility, self-control, and reflection.
• Puja and temple visits – Special prayers and offerings at temples; listening to discourses or reading episodes from Jain scriptures, often related to the lives of the Tirthankaras.
• Namokara Mantra and devotional songs – Recitation of core Jain prayers, such as the Navkar Mantra, and bhajans or stotras that honor the Tirthankaras.
• Charity and atithi (guests) hospitality – Acts of compassion and sharing with others, especially guests, are encouraged during this period.

Important notes on differences

• Digambar and Shwetambar communities share the same core spirit of Samvatsari—confession, forgiveness, and renewal—but there are small differences in the exact liturgical texts and sequences used for Pratikraman and the associated readings during Paryushan. In both traditions, Michhami Dukkadam remains the central expression of forgiveness.
• If you attend a specific temple or community event, you’ll hear the exact phrases and see slightly different orderings of prayers. The intent remains the same: to purify the mind and renew vows for virtuous living.

In short

• Say Michhami Dukkadam to everyone you’ve interacted with over the year.
• Perform Pratikraman to confess, repent, and vow to avoid harm in the coming year.
• Include some period of Swadhyay or Samayik, and engage in fasting or reduced meals if you can.
• Visit a temple, sing devotional hymns, and extend charity and hospitality to guests.

If you’d like, I can tailor these steps to your specific Jain tradition (Digambar or Shwetambar) or describe a simple at-home Samvatsari Pratikraman outline with the exact verses commonly recited in that tradition.