Mahavir Jayanti, one of the most significant festivals for the Jain community, will be celebrated on April 10, 2025. It honors the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and final Tirthankara of Jainism, born in 599 BCE in present-day Bihar. Despite being born into royalty, Mahavir renounced worldly pleasures at 30, seeking spiritual awakening. After 12 years of deep meditation and self-discipline, he attained Kevala Jnana (absolute knowledge) and dedicated his life to spreading the principles of Jainism: non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha).

The festival holds immense spiritual significance, urging followers to reflect on these core values and adopt a life rooted in compassion, discipline, and ethical living. Rituals include temple visits, offering prayers, and acts of charity. A prominent feature of the celebration is the Rath Yatra, where an idol of Lord Mahavir is paraded in a grand procession. Devotees also perform Abhisheka, a ceremonial bath of the idol, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and reverence.

Bhajans (devotional songs) and sermons by Jain scholars are held to spread Lord Mahavir’s message. Many use the day to engage in meditation, fasting, and community service, embodying the essence of his teachings. Mahavir Jayanti isn’t just a celebration—it’s a spiritual call to embrace peace, truth, and selflessness in daily life.