What is Paryushan Parva and how does it differ from Das Lakshana Parva?

Paryushan Parva is the principal festival for Svetambara Jains, observed typically over eight days in the month of Bhadrapada (around August-September). It centers on intense spiritual practices including fasting, Pratikraman (ritual repentance), meditation, and seeking forgiveness, culminating on Samvatsari—the day of universal forgiveness. This festival emphasizes self-purification and reflection on ethical conduct, aligned with the Chaumasa monsoon retreat when ascetics intensify their vows and lay followers observe stricter disciplines.

Das Lakshana Parva, observed by Digambara Jains immediately after Paryushan, spans ten days and focuses on the ten fundamental virtues (lakshanas) such as forgiveness (kshama), humility (mardava), and truthfulness (satya). It similarly involves fasting, scriptural study, and reflection but with a distinct thematic focus on these virtues as a path to spiritual progress. The festival concludes on Anant Chaturdashi.

Both festivals fall within the Chaturmas period, a four-month monsoon retreat during which Jain ascetics remain in one place and lay followers adopt intensified vows. Paryushan and Das Lakshana thus serve as complementary observances within the Jain community, reflecting sect-specific liturgical and ethical emphases but sharing the core Jain values of non-violence, self-discipline, and forgiveness.