Mahaveer Jayanti 2024

Mahaveer Jayanti is a religious holiday in India celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Mahaveer, the 24th and last Tirthankara (a spiritual teacher who is considered to be a saviour of humanity) of Jainism.

It is believed that Lord Mahaveer was born in 540 BC, and his birth anniversary is celebrated on the 13th day of the rising moon in the month of Chaitra (March–April) according to the Hindu calendar.

Jains worldwide observe this day by visiting temples, performing puja (worship), and participating in religious ceremonies. The day is also marked by charitable activities, such as donating to the poor and helping those in need. Mahaveer Jayanti 2024 will be celebrated on April 4, 2024.

When is Mahaveer Jayanti 2024

Date	Day	Festival
4th April 2024	Tuesday	Mahaveer Jayanti 2024

History of Mahaveer Jayanti

Mahaveer Jayanti, also known as Mahavir Janmakalyanak, is a holiday celebrated by Jains to mark the birthday of Mahaveer, the 24th Tirthankara (enlightened one) in Jainism.

Mahaveer was born in 540 BCE in present-day Bihar, India. He was the son of a king named Siddhartha and a queen named Trishala. According to Jain belief, Mahaveer was born as a fully-enlightened being and spent his life teaching the principles of non-violence, truth, and self-control.

Mahaveer’s teachings and philosophy formed the basis of Jainism. This religion stresses the importance of non-violence and the belief that every living has an inherent right to live. Mahaveer’s teachings also inspired many to embrace a simple and ascetic lifestyle.

Mahavir Jayanti is an important holiday for Jains, celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm for Jains. It reminds of Mahaveer’s teachings and message of peace and non-violence.

Festivities Of Mahavir Jayanti 2024

The Jain religion reveres Lord Mahavir as a deity. The most significant event of the celebration is the public unveiling of a statue of Lord Mahavir. People will bathe the Mahavir effigy with scented oil to represent the Lord’s holiness.

People visit temples and antiquated locales associated with the Jainism group. Gomateshwara is a well-known venue to visit during the festival. Apart from the temple visits, Mahavir Jayanti is also celebrated with processions, cultural programs, and lectures on the teachings of Lord Mahavir. Many people also engage in charitable activities such as distributing food, clothing, and other necessities to the poor and needy.

How is Mahavir Jayanti Celebrated?

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Mahaveer, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. It is a significant holiday in the Jain community and is celebrated with great devotion and fervour.

The celebration of Mahavir Jayanti usually begins with a ritual bath followed by prayers and offerings to Lord Mahavir at Jain temples. People also visit the Jain pilgrimage sites and perform acts of charity, such as distributing food and clothing to the poor.

In some parts of the country, processions are also taken out, with statues of Lord Mahaveer being carried on chariots through the streets. The statues are adorned with flowers, and devotees pay their respects by offering their prayers and offerings. Special prayers and religious discourses are also held in Jain temples and community centres to mark the occasion.

The Festival Of Mahavir Jayanti Date 2024 and 2025

The table below pertains to the festival of Mahavir Jayanti for 2024 and 2025.

Year	Date
2024	April 21, 2024,
2025	April 10, 2025,

5 Spiritual Destinations To Visit During Mahavir Jayanti Holiday 2024

1. Girnar, Gujarat: Located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, Girnar is a mountain range that is home to several temples and shrines dedicated to various deities. The mountain is a popular pilgrimage site and is a great place to visit during Mahavir Jayanti 2024 to seek spiritual peace and solitude.
2. Rajgir, Bihar: Located in the Nalanda district of Bihar, Rajgir is an ancient city known for its historical and cultural significance. During Mahavir Jayanti 2024, the city hosts various religious and cultural events, making it an ideal destination for those seeking spiritual enlightenment.
3. Shravanabelagola, Karnataka: This is a Jain pilgrimage site located in the Hassan district of Karnataka and is known for its beautiful monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara. Mahavir Jayanti is a significant festival here, and thousands of devotees visit the temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings
4. Palitana, Gujarat: Located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, Palitana is home to Shatrunjaya Hill, considered one of the holiest Jain pilgrimage sites in the world. The hill is dotted with over 863 temples and is a must-visit for Mahavir Jayanti 2024 those seeking spiritual enlightenment
5. Udaipur, Rajasthan: Udaipur is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful lakes, palaces, and temples. During Mahavir Jayanti, the city comes alive with various cultural and religious events, making it an ideal place to visit on Mahavir Jayanti 2024 for those seeking spiritual enlightenment.