Paryushan Parva 2026: Samvatsari Falls on September 15 as Jains Observe the Festival of Forgiveness

Key facts

• Shwetambar Jains observe the eight-day Paryushan Parva in 2026 from September 8 to September 15, with Samvatsari listed as September 15 in the Jain calendar.
• Shwetambar Jains observe the eight-day Paryushan Parva, while Digambar Jains observe the ten-day Das Lakshan Parva.
• The Digambar tradition observes Kshamavani, its forgiveness-focused observance, for which current 2026 sources differ between September 26 and September 27.
• The Kalpa Sutra, a major Shwetambar Jain text, is traditionally read and recited during the Paryushan festival.
• The first section of the Kalpa Sutra discusses the lives of the Jinas, particularly Mahavir Swami, Parshva Nath, Nemi Nath and Rishabha Dev, and its readings recount Mahavir Swami's birth and Queen Trishala's fourteen auspicious dreams.
• On Samvatsari, devotees traditionally undertake the Samvatsari Pratikraman, reflecting on their actions and seeking forgiveness for harm caused knowingly or unknowingly.
• Michhami Dukkadam is a traditional Jain expression of seeking forgiveness for harm caused knowingly or unknowingly through one's thoughts, words or actions.
• Paryushan is closely connected with Ahimsa, the Jain principle of non-violence, and falls within the monsoon Chaturmas period when Jain ascetics remain settled in one place.
• During Paryushan, devotees may observe different forms of restraint such as Upvas, Ekasana, Ayambil and longer fasts like Atthai, reflecting the idea of Tapasya, or austerity and self-discipline.