By Isabelle and AlexandriaJAINISM

Jainism originated in India and is one of the oldest religions in the world. There founder is a man

called Mahavira Jayanti and there are 10 million Jains in the world. Jains believe that the universe

and everything in it is eternal. For Jains, the purpose of life is to attain moska from the cycle of

rebirth.

BELIEF

This celebration occurs around March/April; the day is always changing because of the multifaith calendar. It celebrates the birth of Mahavira who

is the founder of Jainism. Celebrations include worship, processions, and other devotional and

spiritual activities.

MAHAVIRA JAYANTI

This celebration occurs around August/ September. Paryushana is considered by some to

be the most important festival in Jainism. This festival makes life clean by washing away all the sins and bad Karmas. Once this is done the soul shines with brightness. All Jains are required to

fast on this day. In this festival, forgiveness becomes important. It is the soul of this festival. Namo' and 'Khamo' are the two slogans. When a person puts these two elements in life, it gives a

new light in life.

PARYUSHANA

Diwali occurs in October/November. Diwali is all about the love in your heart and is celebrated to worship

Lord Mahavira. People have a big celebration and light lanterns and have fireworks. The day after Diwali

marks the beginning of the New Year in their calendar. Hindus and Sikhs also celebrate the festival Diwali but

in a different way. There is a poem about Diwali: The night may be dark,

The path may be difficult, Light lamps of love and affection

Then it will be Diwali of heart

DIWALI

This celebration occurs around November/December. This is the day on which

Jains fast and observes total silence. It is a day for meditation.

MAUNA AGYARAS

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