Mahavir Jayanti

Lord Mahavira (24th Tirthankara)

Jain

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The birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara and last great reformer of Jainism — a day of prayer, non-violence, and charitable acts

Dates 2026–2027

March 30, 2026April 1, 2027

Mantra

णमो अरिहंताणं णमो सिद्धाणं णमो आयरियाणं णमो उवज्झायाणं णमो लोए सव्वसाहूणं

Namo Arihantanam Namo Siddhanam Namo Ayariyanam Namo Uvajjhayanam Namo Loe Savva-Sahunam

I bow to the Arihantas (perfect souls) · I bow to the Siddhas (liberated souls) · I bow to the Acharyas (spiritual leaders) · I bow to the Upadhyayas (teachers) · I bow to all the Sadhus — the five supreme beings

✦ Special Note

On this day Jains visit temples, listen to discourses (pravachans), and practice active ahimsa. Many observe partial fast (Ekasana) or full Upvas.

Always Allowed

Boiled water — consumed only between sunrise and sunset

Avoided Year-Round

Root vegetables — potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, radishes, beetroot, turnip (anything underground)Eggplant (brinjal) and multi-seeded vegetables including green chilliesMushrooms and cauliflowerMeat, fish, eggsHoneyAlcohol and fermented foods — yeast breads, vinegar, picklesEating after sunset — never, on any dayCold, iced, or unboiled water — all water must be boiled

Additional Restrictions

Ekasana — one complete Jain meal before sunset only. No second meal, no snacking.Allowed on this day: rice, dal (moong, chana, urad, tur), roti, non-root vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, ghee, and mild dry spices.Dairy mixed with pulses is not recommended on Ekasana days.Many devotees observe partial Ekasana or full Upvas (water only) — both are honoured.

Meal Idea

Fresh fruit platter with warm milk and cardamom — pure, simple, and devoted

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Get a reminder before the next Mahavir Jayanti

At 7pm the evening before, each time it comes around. Turn it off anytime.

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