Ahmedabad (Gujarat), April 5, 2012: The roads of Paldi area of the city were filled with an air of festivity on Wednesday to mark the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. Thousands of Jains participated in a huge procession which began from Paldi Vikas Gruh. Jains across the city celebrated Mahavir Jayanti, which marks the birth of Lord Mahavir, in a grand way.
Organised by Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO), the procession had decorated elephants, a huge chariot of Lord Mahavir, several music bands and thousands of devotees joining in it. Devotees were overjoyed to get a glimpse of Lord Mahavir’s idol on a huge grandly decorated chariot.
To spread awareness on the ideologies of Mahavir, devotees also carried banners which had thoughts and messages from the Lord.The procession had troupes performing dances in their traditional attire. Devotees were also seen dancing and celebrating around the music bands.
Speaking to DNA, trustee of Shantivan Jain Sangh, Bhadresh Shah said, “Interestingly, this year will mark the 2610th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. He was the 24th and the last tirthankar of Jains.”
It is believed that he was born on the 13th day of the Chaitra month during the rising moon period. Shah further stated that Jains celebrate five events of every tirthankar’s life. Firstly, when the tirthankar was conceived in the mother, secondly when he was born, thirdly when he took renunciation and became a sadhu, fourth was when he gained knowledge and last one when he passed away. “So, this is the second important day of Lord Mahavir’s life,” added Shah.
Another procession will be organisedon Thursday which will begin from an upashray at Rangsagar in Paldi. – News Courtesy: DNA India