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Mahavir Jayanti 2023: 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 2023 it will be observed on 4th April (Tuesday) and is a Gazetted holiday in India.

Mahavir Jayanti History and Significance

Mahavir Jayanti 2020 | History and significance

Mahavir Jayanti 2023 | 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 2023 | 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 2023 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 Sunday 1 January Public
Lohri Saturday 14 January Restricted
Makar Sankranti Saturday 14 January Restricted
Pongal Sunday 15 January Restricted
Basant Panchmi Thursday 26 January Restricted
Republic Day Thursday 26 January Public
Guru Ravidass Jayanti Sunday 5 February Restricted
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti Wednesday 15 February Restricted
Mahashivratri Saturday 18 February Restricted
Losar Tuesday 21 February Restricted
Holi Wednesday 8 March Public
Ram Navami Thursday 30 March Restricted
Mahavir Jayanti Tuesday 4 April Restricted
Good Friday Friday 7 April Public
Easter Sunday 9 April Restricted
Vaisakhi Friday 14 April Restricted
Eid Ul Fitr Saturday 22 April Public
Buddha Purnima Friday 5 May Public
Rabindra Jayanti Tuesday 9 May Restricted
Rath Yatra Tuesday 20 June Restricted
Eid Al Adha Thursday 29 June Restricted
Muharram Saturday 29 July Public
Independence Day Tuesday 15 August Public
Parsi New Year Navroz Wednesday 16 August Restricted
Onam Tuesday 29 August Restricted
Raksha Bandhan Wednesday 30 August Restricted
Janmashtami Thursday 7 September Restricted
Ganesh Chaturthi Tuesday 19 September Restricted
Id E Milad Thursday 28 September Public
Gandhi Jayanti Monday 2 October Public
Shardiya Navratri Sunday 15 October No Holiday
Durga Puja Friday 20 October No Holiday
Dussehra Tuesday 24 October Public
Valmiki Jayanti Saturday 28 October Restricted
Halloween Day Tuesday 31 October No Holiday
Karva Chauth Tuesday 1 November Restricted
Karnataka Rajyotsava Tuesday 1 November Restricted
Kerala Piravi Tuesday 1 November Restricted
Ahoi Ashtami Sunday 5 November No Holiday
Dhanteras Saturday 11 November No Holiday
Diwali Sunday 12 November Public
Kali Puja Sunday 12 November No Holiday
Lakshmi Puja Sunday 12 November No Holiday
Govardhan Puja Monday 13 November Public
Bhai Dooj Tuesday 14 November Restricted
Chhath Puja Sunday 19 November Restricted
Guru Nanak Jayanti Monday 27 November Public
Kartik Purnima Monday 27 November No Holiday
Christmas Monday 25 December Public
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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