The Paryusana Parva is one of the most important festivals of the Jains. This festival is celebrated for eight days during which many Jains fast and carry out the religious activities. The festival is celebrated in the months of Sravana and Bhadra i.e. August or September. During the rainy season the Jain monks avoid travelling to different places. Rather they settle down in a particular location so as not to hurt or cause any injury to the plants that spring up during this time. Usually at this time of rainy season a town in the vicinity invites the monks to stay with them. Sometimes the invitation is sent in a beautifully written manuscript. The monks are welcomed with much pomp and grandeur. A course of lectures or sermons by an ascetic or other respected person is a regular feature of the Paryusana Parva.
The time of Paryusana Parva is a period of repentance for the acts of the former year and of austerities that help shed the accumulated karmas. These austerities also help in controlling the craving from the sensual delights. Some people observe fasting for the all eight days during this period, and some for the lesser periods of time. The Holy scriptures mention that a minimum of three days of fasting needs to be observed. However, it is considered obligatory to fast on the last day of the Paryusana Parva. Fasting usually involves total abstinence from any sort of food or drink, but some people do consume boiled water during the daytime.
During the festival of Paryusana Parva several types of rituals take place. Discourse on Kalpasutra which is also conducted. Kalpasutra one of the sacred texts in the Upashrayathat contains comprehensive information of Lord Mahavira`s life. On the third day of the Paryusana Parva the Kalpasutra is given importance and is also carried in the procession. A special ceremony is also conducted on the fifth day of Paryusana Parva where the auspicious dreams of queen Trishala, Lord Mahavira`s mother are demonstrated. Several other activities are also observed during this festival like listening to the Kalpasutra, combating animal killing, asking and offering forgiveness to all humans, visiting the neighbourhood temples, etc.
The final day of Paryusana is regarded as the most significant day. All the devotees who had observed fast during the ceremony are duly honoured. On the final day the Jains ask for forgiveness from the people, friends and foes alike for any disrespectful activity they might have committed towards them in the former year. Shortly after Paryusana it is the custom to organize a Swami Vastyalaya-dinner when all the Jains get together and renew their friendship with each other regardless of their socio-economical status.
