Samvatsari (Great Forgiveness Day)
The holiest day in the Jain year, universal forgiveness and the seeking of pardon from all beings.
Samvatsari falls on the last day of the Svetambara Paryushana, Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi in the Hindu lunisolar calendar (Panchami in some communities), usually in August or September.
When Is Samvatsari (Great Forgiveness Day)?
Samvatsari falls on the last day of the Svetambara Paryushana, Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi in the Hindu lunisolar calendar (Panchami in some communities), usually in August or September.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Samvatsari is the final and holiest day of Paryushana, Jainism's Day of Atonement. Every Jain asks forgiveness from every being they may have harmed in the past year, intentionally or unintentionally.
How It Is Observed
Pratikraman (ritual confession lasting several hours), sending 'Micchami Dukkadam' (May all my harmful deeds be forgiven) to everyone, complete fasting, releasing all grievances.
Sacred Text
“By begging forgiveness he obtains happiness of mind; thereby he acquires a kind disposition towards all kinds of living beings; by this kind disposition he obtains purity of character and freedom from fear.”
, Uttaradhyayana Sutra 29.17 ↗