PM Modi Highlights the Importance of Forgiveness on 'Samvatsari'

New Delhi: Underlining the importance of harmony and forgiveness, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged people to "embrace empathy and solidarity as our source of motivation" on the occasion of 'Samvatsari', a festival of forgiveness celebrated by the Jain community.

"Samvatsari highlights the strength of harmony and to forgive others. It calls for embracing empathy and solidarity as our source of motivation. In this spirit, let us renew and deepen bonds of togetherness. Let kindness and unity shape our journey forward. Michhami Dukkadam!," PM Modi said in a post on X.

'Samvatsari': Significant Day In Jain calendar

On this special day, Jains greet one another with folded hands, saying "Michhami Dukkadam," and observe a fast for the entire day. Paryushan Parva is an eight-day Jain festival dedicated to reflection and seeking forgiveness for one's sins. Each evening, Pratikraman is performed as an act of repentance. On the final day, Samvatsari Pratikraman takes place, during which individuals repent for all the sins committed over the past year.

Earlier today, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan participated in the Paryushan Mahaparva 2024 celebrations with Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur in Mumbai, alongside global spiritual master Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji. Also present at the event were Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and other distinguished guests. The sacred day of Samvatsari was observed by putting Jainism's principle of 'Universal Compassion' into practice and experiencing inner purification through seeking forgiveness.