Mahavir Jayanti in the year 2026 31 March 2026 Will be celebrated. This festival is celebrated every year on the Trayodashi date of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. This year the Trayodashi date of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month is starting on 30 March 2026 at 7.09 am which will end on 31 March 2026 at around 7 am. According to Udaya Tithi, Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated on 31 March. However, those who want to celebrate Triyodashi can also celebrate the birth anniversary on March 30. But on the basis of Jain tradition and almanacs, Mahavir Jayanti is being celebrated on 31st March in most of the places.
Who is Lord Mahavir?
This day is celebrated with reverence and devotion throughout the country as the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism. This festival gives us the message of peace, restraint and self-control. In today’s times when tension and violence are on the rise, the teachings of Lord Mahavir become even more relevant.
Why is Mahavir Jayanti celebrated?
Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Mahavir. He showed humanity the path of non-violence, truth, non-possessiveness and penance. His teachings even today give the message of peace and harmony to the society.
Biography of Lord Mahavir
Mahavir was born in Vaishali (Bihar) in 599 BC. His father’s name was Raja Siddhartha and mother was Trishala. The original name of Lord Mahavir was Vardhaman. He abdicated the throne at the age of 30 and attained enlightenment after 12 years of rigorous penance.
How is Mahavir Jayanti celebrated?
Rath Yatra and procession
On this day, a grand Rath Yatra is taken out in Jain temples, in which the idol of Lord Mahavir is decorated.
worship in temples
Devotees visit the temple to worship Lord Mahavir and remember his teachings.
charity and service
Food, clothes and necessary things are donated to the poor.
sermon
Jain saints and scholars give sermons on his life and teachings.
Major teachings of Mahavir Swami
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nonviolence is the greatest religion
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speaking the truth and living an honest life
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not to hoard more than necessary
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To have compassion towards all living beings.