Mahavir Jayanti 2026: Date, History, Significance, Rituals, And Celebrations

• Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
• In 2026, the festival will be observed on Tuesday, March 31, falling on Trayodashi of Shukla Paksha in the Chaitra month.
• Lord Mahavir, born in 599 BCE, renounced royalty at 30 to achieve Kevala Jnana (absolute knowledge) after 12 years of meditation.
• His teachings emphasize five core principles: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
• Celebrations include Rath Yatra, temple prayers, Abhisheka of the idol, charity, and discourses on Jain philosophy.