A Guide to the Sacred Days of Tapasya, Ahimsa, and Michhami Dukkadam
Jain Tithi & Festival Schedule 2026
| Date (2026) | Day | Festival / Holy Day |
|---|---|---|
| January 13 | Tuesday | Meru Trayodashi |
| January 27 | Tuesday | Rohini Vrat |
| February 01 | Sunday | Phalguna Chaumasi Chaudas |
| March 27 – April 04 | Fri – Sat | Ayambil Oli (Chaitra) |
| March 31 | Tuesday | Mahavir Janma Kalyanak (Mahavir Jayanti) |
| May 19 | Tuesday | Akshaya Tritiya (Varsitap Parana) |
| August 30 | Sunday | Paryushan Parva Begins (Shvetambara) |
| September 06 | Sunday | Samvatsari (Day of Forgiveness) |
| September 07 | Monday | Das Lakshana Begins (Digambara) |
| September 16 | Wednesday | Anant Chaturdashi |
| October 20 – 28 | Tue – Wed | Ayambil Oli (Ashvin) |
| November 08 | Sunday | Mahavir Nirvana (Jain Diwali) |
| November 09 | Monday | New Year / Gautam Swami Kevalgyana |
| November 13 | Friday | Labh Pancham |
| November 23 | Monday | Kartik Rath Yatra / Chaumasi Chaudas |
Significance of Jain Holy Days
Meru Trayodashi
Commemorates the Nirvana of Bhagwan Adinath (the 1st Tirthankara) at Mt. Ashtapad. It is a day for deep meditation and remembering the spiritual ascent of liberated souls.
Rohini Vrat
Dedicated to Bhagwan Vasupujya Swami. Devotees observe this fast when the Rohini Nakshatra prevails to seek peace, harmony, and the removal of karmic obstacles.
Phalguna Chaumasi Chaudas
A "spiritual audit" day occurring every four months. Jains perform Pratikraman to review past actions, confess mistakes, and reset their spiritual direction.
Ayambil Oli (Chaitra)
A 9-day period of "Ayambil" fasting (eating only one bland meal a day, no oil, spices, or salt) to pay homage to the Navpad (the nine supreme posts).
Mahavir Jayanti
The birth anniversary of the 24th Tirthankara, Bhagwan Mahavir. It is celebrated with prayers, processions, and messages of peace.
Akshaya Tritiya
Marks the end of Varsitap (year-long alternate day fasting) following the path of Rishabhdev Bhagwan. Devotees break their fast with sugarcane juice.
Paryushan Parva
The most important period for spiritual upliftment. Shvetambara Jains observe 8 days of intensive fasting and study of the Kalpa Sutra.
Samvatsari
The Day of Universal Forgiveness. Jains say "Michhami Dukkadam" to seek forgiveness from all living beings for any harm caused.
Das Lakshana (Digambara)
A 10-day festival where each day is dedicated to one of the ten supreme virtues (e.g., Truth, Purity, Forgiveness). It culminates in Anant Chaturdashi.
Mahavir Nirvana (Diwali)
Jains celebrate Diwali as the day Bhagwan Mahavir attained Moksha (liberation). Lights symbolize the light of knowledge.
Jain New Year
Marks the start of the Veer Samvat calendar and celebrates the day Gautam Swami (the chief disciple) attained Kevalgyana (omniscience).
Gyan Pancham / Labh Pancham
A day dedicated to the worship of holy scriptures (Gyan) and the official day to reopen businesses and account books after the Diwali break.
Kartik Rath Yatra
Marks the end of the four-month Chaturmas (monsoon stay). Monks begin their travels (Vihar), and thousands of pilgrims start the journey to Mt. Shatrunjaya (Palitana).
Jain Calendar FAQ 2026
Q: What is the significance of Michhami Dukkadam?A: It is a Prakrit phrase meaning "May all the evil that has been done be fruitless." It is used on Samvatsari to seek sincere forgiveness from everyone.
Q: When is Mahavir Jayanti in 2026?A: Mahavir Janma Kalyanak will be celebrated on March 31, 2026.
Q: What are the dietary restrictions during Paryushan?A: Many Jains avoid root vegetables (onion, garlic, potato) and fermented foods, while some observe complete water-only fasts (Athai) for 8 days.
Q: When is Paryushan 2026?A: Paryushan Parva begins on August 30 and concludes with Samvatsari on September 6, 2026.
Q: When is Jain Diwali 2026?A: Jain Diwali (Mahavir Nirvana) is celebrated on November 8, 2026.