How is Mahavira Jayanti celebrated by Jain communities?

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Jainism Statue of the Jain Tirthankara (saviour) Mahavira.

Mahavira Jayanti, which marks the birthday of Mahavira, is celebrated by both the Shvetambara and Digambara sects of Jainism in early April.1

The festival is primarily characterized by the holding of public processions. These events serve as a communal way for followers to honor the life and teachings of the last Tirthankara, who is revered for his advocacy of ahimsa (nonviolence) and his role in systematizing Jain doctrine.12