India celebrates Mahavir Jayanti

In Jainism, Mahavir Jayanti, also known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, is the most important religious holiday that celebrates the birth of Mahavira.

People are Celebrating Sri Mahavir Jayanti at Birla Matoshree Sabhagriha in Mumbai. (IE Photo: Pradip Das)

Lord Mahavira is the 24th and the last Tirthankara, who preached the essence of life, virtue and non-violence towards all living beings.

Children dressed as rulers take part in procession on the eve of Mahavir Jayanti, in Vadodara. (IE Photo: Bhupendra Rana)

Lord Mahavir, also referred to as sage Vardhamana, was born in Kundalagrama, Bihar, as a son to king Siddartha and Queen Trishala. At the age of 30, he renounced his throne and other worldly possessions, and spent twelve years of his life as ascetic.

Devotees take out procession on the eve of his birth anniversary, in Ahmedabad. (IE Photo: Javed Raja)

At the age of 72, Lord Mahavira attained nirvana, and devoted the rest of his life to preach spiritual freedom.

Devotees take out procession on the eve of birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, in Ahmedabad. (IE Photo: Javed Raja)

As part of Mahavir Jayanti celebrations local statues of Mahavira are given a ceremonial bath called the abhisheka.

Jain devotees offer water to idols of Lord Mahavir on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti in Mirzapur. (PTI)

During the day, many Jains engage in some sort of charitable act in the name of Mahavira while others travel to temples to meditate and offer prayers. Lectures are typically held in temples to preach the path of virtue as defined by Jain doctrine.

A Mahavir Jayanti procession passes through the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer. (PTI)