Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), April 6, 2012: Mahavir Jayanti (birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the Jain Tirthankara) was celebrated with traditional fervour across the city on Thursday.
While colourful Shobhayatra (procession) organised by Jain Swetambar Teerth Society displaying tableaux of Lord Mahavira was carried out from Jain Temple, Bulanala, till Chowk, the Jain Digambar Temple of Swami Parshwanath in Bhadaioni also witnessed special decoration on the occasion.
Local statues of Mahavira were given a ceremonial bath (abhishek). During the day, many Jains engaged in some sort of charitable act in the name of Mahavira while others visited temples to meditate and offer prayers.
Lectures were also held in temples to preach the path of virtue as defined by Jain doctrine. Donations were collected in order to promote charitable missions including helping to feed poor people on the occasion. Meanwhile, preparations were on to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti on Friday. Similarly, Churches across the city also readied for Good Friday. – News Courtesy: Times of India