Paryushan Mahaparva 2025 Celebrate the Festival of Forgiveness

The Essence of Paryushan Parva

Paryushan Parva is a sacred period of introspection and atonement, a time to reflect deeply on one’s thoughts and actions over the past year. It is observed during Chaturmas, beginning on the twelfth day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapad and concluding on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha.

This festival is centered on the strict observance of ten cardinal virtues: forgiveness, charity, simplicity, contentment, truthfulness, self-restraint, fasting, detachment, humility, and continence. While we should ideally embody these principles every day, the demands of modern life can make this challenging. Paryushan offers a dedicated opportunity—eight days each year—to pause from our busy routines and turn inward.

Observances and Their Significance

During Paryushan, many Jains fast and perform Pratikraman, a meditative practice of ‘turning back’ to reflect on one’s spiritual path and renew their faith. Common observances include:

• Drinking only boiled water.

• Eating only before sunset.

• Abstaining from root vegetables (like onions, garlic, and potatoes), fermented foods, and often green vegetables.

These restrictions are not merely physical disciplines but are deeply rooted in the principle of ahimsa (non-violence). The prohibited foods are believed to contain a far greater number of micro-organisms (jivas or souls) than simple grains. For instance, a piece of potato can sprout new life, while a grain of rice cannot. By limiting our diet, we minimize the harm we cause, thereby attracting fewer negative karmas. This conscious effort purifies the soul and aids progress on the path toward moksha (liberation).

The Culmination: Samvatsari and Michchami Dukkadam

The final day of the festival is Samvatsari, a day of universal forgiveness. A profound custom is observed where individuals seek forgiveness from every person they may have offended in the past year, knowingly or unknowingly. Old disputes are resolved, and relationships are healed with the humble phrase, “Michchhami Dukkadam.”

What does “Michchhami Dukkadam” mean?

Translated from Prakrit, Michchhami means “to be fruitless” or “forgiven,” and Dukkadam (from Dushkrut) means “bad deeds.” Therefore, the phrase literally means, “May my bad deeds toward you be forgiven.”

However, its true meaning is much more expansive. It embodies a sincere prayer:

“I forgive all living beings from the bottom of my heart. I seek forgiveness from all living beings for any harm I have caused, in this life or any past life, through my thoughts, words, or actions, whether intentional or unintentional. I hold friendship for all and enmity toward none.”

Why do we say it?

Our minds are constantly active, generating thoughts, words, and actions influenced by emotions like anger, greed, and ego. These attract karmas that bind our souls. While it is difficult to stop this entirely, “Michchhami Dukkadam” is a powerful annual reset. It is a conscious choice to shed animosity, cleanse our karma, and create conditions conducive to spiritual growth.

This sentiment is beautifully captured in the Kshamapana Sutra:

• Khaamemi Savve Jeeva – I grant forgiveness to all living beings.

• Savve Jeeva Khamantu Me – May all living beings grant me forgiveness.

• Metti Me Savve Bhuyesu – I have friendship with all living beings.

• Vairam Majjham Na Kenai – I have no hostility toward anyone.

On this auspicious occasion, we humbly beg your forgiveness for any offense caused through our mind, speech, or actions.

Michchhami Dukkadam. With best wishes and prayers for the well-being of all living beings.