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Mahavir Jayanti 2024 Festival Date, History, Significance

Published Date: 09-Nov-2022

Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most prominent festivals of the Jain community in India. This day is celebrated as the birthday of the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara, Mahavir who was heir to the Ikshvaku dynasty. According to the Jain literature, Lord Mahavir was born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala.

At the age of 30, Mahavir left the throne for attaining salvation and later, spent his life enlightening the masses. As per the Gregorian calendar, Mahavir Jayanti falls either in the month of March or April; in 2024 it will be observed on 21stĀ April (Sunday) and is a Gazetted holiday in India.

Mahavir Jayanti History and Significance

Mahavir Jayanti 2020 | History and significance

Mahavir Jayanti 2024 | History and significance

Lord Mahavir was born in 599 BCE as a successor to King Siddhartha in the present-day Champaran district of Bihar. Jain literature clearly states that Lord Mahavir came into this world on the thirteenth day of Chaitra, which is observed as his birthday. Legends state that before giving birth to the last Tirthankara, Queen Trishala had numerous optimistic dreams depicting the future of her to-be-born, Mahavir. Jain texts also reveal that his mother felt no pain while giving birth to him.

Mahavir Jayanti Celebrations across India

Mahavir Jayanti 2020 | Mahavir Jayanti Celebrations across India

Mahavir Jayanti 2024 | Mahavir Jayanti Celebrations across India

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with utmost joy throughout the nation. Members of the Jain community organize a Rath Yatra which includes taking an idol of Lord Mahavir on a procession. On the way, devotees recite religious rhymes followed by performing Abhisheka of the lord.

As Lord Mahavir was a believer of love and non-violence, priests depart lectures for enlightening the devotees about the same. Devotees engage in philanthropical acts and prayers, on this day; visit temples dedicated to Lord Mahavir and recite regional rhymes.

Read more: Diwali 2024 date in India Calendar

Best Places to Observe the Celebrations of Mahavir Jayanti

  • Bhagalpur and Nalanda in Bihar
  • Giridh district in Jharkhand
  • Junagadh in Gujarat
  • Hassan in Karnataka
  • Mount Abu in Rajasthan

Other Festivals in India with Holiday Type

Festivals in India Day Date Holiday Type
New Year’s Day Mon 01-Jan Restricted Holiday
Lohri Sat 13-Jan Restricted Holiday
Makar Sankranti Sun 14-Jan Restricted Holiday
Pongal Mon 15-Jan Restricted Holiday
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Wed 17-Jan Restricted Holiday
Republic Day Fri 26-Jan Gazetted Holiday
Losar Sat 10-Feb Restricted Holiday
Basant Panchmi Wed 14-Feb Restricted Holiday
Guru Ravidas Jayanti Sat 24-Feb Gazetted Holiday
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti Wed 6-Mar Restricted Holiday
Mahashivratri Fri 8-Mar Gazetted Holiday
Holi Mon 25-March Gazetted Holiday
Good Friday Fri 29-Mar Gazetted Holiday
Easter Day Sun 31-Mar Restricted Holiday
Gudi Padwa Tue 9-Apr Restricted Holiday
Eid-ul-Fitr Wed 10-Apr Gazetted Holiday
Vaisakhi (Vishu) Sat 13-Apr Restricted Holiday
Rama Navami Wed 17-Apr Gazetted Holiday
Mahavir Jayanti Sun 21-Apr Gazetted Holiday
Rabindra Jayanti Wed 8-May Restricted Holiday
Buddha Purnima (Vesak) Thu 23-May Gazetted Holiday
Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) Mon 17-Jun Restricted Holiday
Rath Yatra Sun 7-Jul Gazetted Holiday
Muharram (Ashura) Wed 17-Jul Gazetted Holiday
Independence Day Thu 15-Aug Gazetted Holiday
Parsi New Year’s Day (Nauraz) Thu 15-Aug Public Holiday
Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) Mon 19-Aug Restricted Holiday
Janmashtami Mon 26-Aug Restricted Holiday
Ganesh Chaturthi Sat 7-Sep Restricted Holiday
Onam Sun 15-Sep Restricted Holiday
Milad-un-Nabi or Id-e- Milad Mon 16-Sep Gazetted Holiday
Gandhi Jayanti Wed 02-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Dussehra Sat 12-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Valmiki Jayanti Thu 17-Oct Restricted Holiday
Karva Chauth Sun 20-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Dhanteras Tue 29-Oct Restricted Holiday
Diwali Thu 31-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Kali Puja Thu 31-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Lakshmi Puja Thu 31-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Halloween Day Thu 31-Oct No Holiday
Karnataka Rajyotsava Fri 1-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Kerala Piravi Fri 1-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Govardhan Puja Sat 2-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Bhai Dooj Sun 3-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Chhath Puja Thu 7-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Guru Nanak Jayanti Fri 15-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Christmas Wed 25-Dec Public Holiday
Sargun Preet Kaur
Sargun has an appetite for challenges and creative hurdles that can help her grow as she conquers them one by one. With an innate desire to travel the world, she weaves through life by visiting her dream destinations. When not in her creative zone, Sargun loves to smash in badminton and binge-watch her favourite shows.
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