Jains celebrate Mahavir Jayanti to honour the birth of Lord Mahavir, the founder of Jainism and the last of the 24 Tirthankaras. He was born on the 13th day of Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar, which corresponds to March or April in the Gregorian calendar.
In 2023, Mahavir Jayanti falls on April 4.
Lord Mahavir taught non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, and non-attachment as the core principles of Jainism. He renounced his royal life at the age of 30 and became an ascetic. He attained enlightenment after 12 years of meditation and self-discipline.
On Mahavir Jayanti, Jains worship the idol of Lord Mahavir and perform a ceremonial bath called Abhisheka.
They also take out a procession or Rath Yatra with the idol. They chant hymns and donate to the poor and needy.