What is paryusan

Paryusan is one of the most important annual festivals in Jainism, observed mainly by the Śvetāmbara community. It spans eight to ten days, during which devotees engage in intense spiritual practices such as fasting, meditation, confession, and studying Jain scriptures. The festival's primary focus is on self-purification and forgiveness, encouraging Jains to seek forgiveness from others and to forgive those who have wronged them, embodying the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence). Paryusan culminates with the celebration of Samvatsari, the day of universal forgiveness, where Jains ask for forgiveness with the phrase 'Micchami Dukkadam.' The festival reinforces the core Jain values of non-attachment, self-discipline, and compassion, serving as a period for introspection and recommitment to the path of liberation (moksha). While Paryusan is predominantly observed by Śvetāmbaras, the Digambara sect has a similar festival called Das Lakshana, emphasizing the ten virtues.