Samvatsari
Encyclopedia
Samvatsari is the last day of Paryushana
—the eight or ten day festival of Jainism
. It is the holiest day of the Jain calendar. Many Jains observe a complete fast on this day. The whole day is spent in prayers and contemplation. A yearly, elaborate penitential retreat called samvatsati pratikramana is performed on this day. After the pratikramana Jains seek forgiveness from all the creatures of the world whom they may have harmed knowingly or unknowingly by uttering the phrase— Micchami Dukkadam
or "Khamau Sa". As a matter of ritual, they personally greet their friends and relatives Micchami Dukkadam
. No private quarrel or dispute may be carried beyond Samvatsari and letters and telephone calls are made to the outstation friends and relatives asking their forgiveness.
Paryushana
Paryushana is one of the two most important festivals for the Jains, the other being Diwali. Normally Svetambara Jains refer it as Paryushana, while Digambara Jains refer it as Daslaksana. Paryushan means, literally, "abiding" or "coming together"...
—the eight or ten day festival of Jainism
Jainism
Jainism is an Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. Its philosophy and practice emphasize the necessity of self-effort to move the soul towards divine consciousness and liberation. Any soul that has conquered its own inner enemies and achieved the state...
. It is the holiest day of the Jain calendar. Many Jains observe a complete fast on this day. The whole day is spent in prayers and contemplation. A yearly, elaborate penitential retreat called samvatsati pratikramana is performed on this day. After the pratikramana Jains seek forgiveness from all the creatures of the world whom they may have harmed knowingly or unknowingly by uttering the phrase— Micchami Dukkadam
Micchami Dukkadam
is an ancient Prakrit phrase literally meaning — may all the evil that has been done be fruitless. It is especially used on the Kshamavani Diwas or Forgiveness Day, celebrated on Samvatsari, the concluding day of the eight-day Paryushana festival, one of the main festivals of the Jain community,...
or "Khamau Sa". As a matter of ritual, they personally greet their friends and relatives Micchami Dukkadam
Micchami Dukkadam
is an ancient Prakrit phrase literally meaning — may all the evil that has been done be fruitless. It is especially used on the Kshamavani Diwas or Forgiveness Day, celebrated on Samvatsari, the concluding day of the eight-day Paryushana festival, one of the main festivals of the Jain community,...
. No private quarrel or dispute may be carried beyond Samvatsari and letters and telephone calls are made to the outstation friends and relatives asking their forgiveness.