Mahavir Jayanti 2020: Date/ History/ How its celebrated/ Places to visit during Mahavir Jayanti
Mahaveer Jayanti 2020
Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most significant festivals among the Jain community and is celebrated with splendour in India and across the world. The festival commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavira. As per Jain mythology, Lord Mahavira is the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. In 2020, Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated on the 6th of April.
Mahavir Jayanti 2020 Date
When is Mahavir Jayanti
| Festival Name | Date | States |
| Mahavir Jayanti | Monday, 6 April 2021 | Karnataka, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab |
Mahavir Jayanti
A Brief History Of Mahavir Jayanti
As per Jain texts and religious scripts, Lord Mahavira took birth on the 13th day of waxing moon on the Chaitra month (Hindu calendar) in Kundalagrama (now Kundalpur) in Bihar, a few kilometres from Patna. That time, Vaishali was considered to be the capital of the state. However, the year of Mahavira’s birth is disputed. As per Swetambar Jains, Mahavira was born in 599 BC while the Digambar Jains consider 615 BC as his birth year. He was named as Vardhaman by his parents – King Siddhartha and Queen Trisala.
As per Swetambar community’s beliefs, Mahavira’s mother had 14 dreams, which were later interpreted by astrologers all of whom said that Mahavira would either go on to become an emperor or a sage (Tirthankara). When Mahavira reached 30, he left his throne and family in search of truth. He lived in exile for 12 years as an ascetic. During this time, he preached non-violence treated all everyone with reverence. He got his name “Mahavira” after showing exceptional skills in controlling the senses. It is widely belied that when Mahavira was 72, he attained enlightenment (Nirvana).
Festivities Of Mahavir Jayanti Holiday 2020
The Jain community takes part in several festivities, which permit them to pledge with families and friends. Lord Mahavir is respected and worshipped by this community. The demonstration of an idol of Lord Mahavir is the most important festivity of the festival. The effigy of Mahavir is washed by the people with fragranced oil and this will denote the purity of the Lord.
Devotees across India and the globe will visit Jain temples in the country. Antique ancient spots, which are connected to the community of Jainism, are visited by people. One of the renowned destinations to visit during the festival is Gomateshwara. It is quite interesting to notice that many Jains bestow money or food to temples. The festivities will remain the same.
Public Life During Mahavir Jayanti Holiday 2020
In India, Mahavir Jayanti is a gazetted holiday. State, local and national level government workplaces will remain closed. The shops and commercial outlets owned by the community of Jains will also remain closed. If not, they may have shortened functioning hours.
How Is Mahavir Jayanti celebrated?
The festival is celebrated to champion the cause of peace and harmony, and also spread the teachings of Lord Mahavira. A procession is carried out in the form of “rath yatra” with Lord Mahavira’s idol neatly placed on the top. Jain temples are decorated with flags while the Jains offer food and clothes to the needy. Jainism vehemently opposes animal slaughter and hence donations are made to stop animal killings.
Other than charitable acts, prayers are offered in temples dedicated to Lord Mahavira. Some other devotes often engage in meditation—a practice championed by Mahavira. Old and famous Jain temples witness a huge surge in devotees on this day. Teachings of Mahavira and Jainism are recited by monks and nuns.
Mahavir Jayanti is predominantly a Jain festival and to get the true essence of it, you can visit any of the Jain temples.
The Festival Of Mahavir Jayanti From 2021-2025
| Festival Name | Date | States |
| Mahavir Jayanti | Sunday, 25 April 2021 | Karnataka, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab |
| Mahavir Jayanti | Sunday, 25 April 2021 | Karnataka, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab |
| Mahavir Jayanti | Thursday, 14 April 2022 | Karnataka, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab |
| Mahavir Jayanti | Tuesday, 4 April 2023 | Karnataka, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab |
| Mahavir Jayanti | Sunday, 21 April 2024 | Karnataka, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab |
| Mahavir Jayanti | Thursday, 10 April 2025 | Karnataka, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab |
5 Spiritual Destinations To Visit During Mahavir Jayanti Holiday 2020
Consider the following Indian destinations to visit during this festival:
- Madhuban: Madhuban, sited in Jharkhand, is the divinest destination for Jains.
- Girnarji: Girnarji is a place located in the Indian state of Gujarat.
- Gomateshwara: Gomateshwara is the most attractive destination in Karnataka to visit during this festival every year.
- Mangi Tungi: Mungi Tungi is another renowned Indian place of adoration for Jains in Maharashtra.
- Gajpantha: This is also the best place in Maharashtra. It has a beautiful temple. Devotees have to climb not less than 460 steps to reach.
Mahavir Jayanti celebrations to commence in Ujjain
The celebrations of Mahavir Jayanti will begin in Ujjain from Wednesday. The members of the Digambar and Shwetambar community are all set to celebrate the day. It is a three-day program. The celebrations begin with a procession of both community on Wednesday at 06:00 a.m. The procession will close at Mahavir Kirti Stambh Phawwara Chowk and talks by Sheetalraj shall be organised. Mahila Sammelana shall also be conducted. The sammelana will be attended by Lalit Gandhi, the President of All India Jain Minority Federation Delhi.
On Thursday, Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated. A varghoda shall be taken out and shall be attended by guests, Jain seers and the community people. On the day, the Shwetambar community’s ‘Swami Vatsalya’ shall be held at Samajik Nyay Pariwar. In the evening, a melodious housie is held at Mahavir Jain Dharmshala. On Friday, the last day, at Shantinath Jain Temple hall Chhota Sarafa, a drawing contest is organised. A cultural program for Jain children shall also be organised by Jain Social Group Sagar
