Observed by Jains Date August–September | Type Cultural 2016 date September 17 | |
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Observances Micchami Dukkadam (Asking for forgiveness), Pratikramana (Introspection) Begins Chaturthi, Shukla Paksha, Bhadrapad;
4th day of waxing moon in Bhadrapada month of Jain calendar | ||
Kshamavani (Sanskrit: क्षमावणी) or "Forgiveness Day" is a day of forgiving and seeking forgiveness for the followers of Jainism. Digambaras celebrate it on the first day of Ashwin Krishna month of the lunar based Jain calendar. Śvētāmbaras celebrate it on Samvatsari, the last day of the annual Paryusana festival. which coincides with the Chaturthi, 4th day of Shukla Paksha, in the holy month of Bhadrapad, according to the Jain calendar. "Micchami Dukkadam" is the common phrase when asking for forgiveness. It is a Prakrit phrase meaning, May all the evil that has been done be fruitless.
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Observance
On this sacred day, every member of the Jain community approaches everyone, irrespective of religion, and begs for forgiveness for all their faults or mistakes, committed either knowingly or unknowingly. Thus relieved of the heavy burden hanging over their head of the sins of yesteryears, they start life afresh, living in peaceful co-existence with others. Indeed, this day is not merely a traditional ritual, but a first step on their path to moksha (liberation) or salvation, the final goal of every man's life, according to the teachings of Jainism.
Mahavira said we should forgive our own soul first. To forgive others is a practical application of this supreme forgiveness. It is the path of spiritual purification. Mahavira said: "The one whom you hurt or kill is you. All souls are equal and similar and have the same nature and qualities". Ahimsa Paramo Dharma. Anger begets more anger and forgiveness and love beget more forgiveness and love. Forgiveness benefits both the forgiver and the forgiven.
Forgiveness is the other name of non-violence (Ahimsa) which shows the right path of 'Live and Let Live' to one and all. Forgiveness teaches us Ahimsa (non-violence) and through ahimsa we should learn to practice forbearance.
Michchhami Dukkadam Prayer
Kshamavani Parva celebrates forgiveness as a way to a life of love, friendship, peace and harmony. When you forgive, you stop feeling resentful; there is no more indignation or anger against another for a perceived offence, difference or mistake; there is no clamour for punishment. It means the end of violence (Himsa).