Followers of Jainism observe Kshamavani which is a day of forgiveness. It falls on the first day of Ashvin Krishna month of lunar-based Jain calendar.
The Swetambara sect of Jains celebrated the day on Samvatsari which is the last day of the annual Paryushana festival while the Digambaras celebrate it on the first day of Ashvin Krishna month of the Jain calendar.
This year, Kshamavani falls on September 12 and the observance coincides with Anant Chaturthi which is the fourth day of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadra.
On this day, Jains seek forgiveness for intentional and unintentional hurt caused to others by saying Micchami Dukkadam. It means that “May all the evil that has been done be fruitless”.
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It celebrates the art of forgiving and encourages people to let go of grudges against each other and live a life of peace, love, harmony, and friendship. Also, messages of Uttam Kshama send to seek forgiveness.
While Samvatsari is associated with Shwetambar sect, Kshamavaani is associated with Digambara. Although both observe forgiveness day there is a major difference. Both Samvatsari and Kshamavaani fall on the last day of Paryushan but are on the two different days.
Members of the Jain community approach people, irrespective of their religion and seek for forgiveness and mistakes they have committed. It is believed that it is the start of a peaceful life and this ritual is the first step to the path of salvation as per the teachings of Jainism.
