Paryushan Parva

Friends

Most Sacred and biggest festival of Jains is Paryushan Parva. For Digamber Jains it starts from next day to Ganesh Chaturthi and ends on Anant Chatutrdashi. This 10 day festival is most sacred for jains. In all  sects of hindus, 10 days celebration is most common be it Navratri or Paryushan Parva. Due to its longivity of 10 days, this fesytival is also called Das Lakshan Parva. During the Parva  they read and discuss 10 virtues,  which are called the cardinal virtues. These cardinal virtues are the inherent qualities of a human soul.  The 10 cardinal virtues are :

1. FORGIVENESS (KSHAMA) - Total lack of anger. 
2. HUMILITY (MARDAVA)  - Lack of pride. 
3. STRAIGHT FORWARDNESS (ARJAVA) - Lack of cunning. 
4. CONTENTMENT (SAUCH)-  Lack of greed. 
5. TRUTHFULNESS (SATYA)  -  Lack of falsehood. 
6. SELF-CONTROL (SAYAMA) - Control over physical  violence.  
7. AUSTERITY (TAPPA)-  Austerity is repentance of one's sins. 
8. RENUNCIATION (TYAGA)- Giving up possessions both internal and external.
9. DETACHMENT (APARIGRAHA)-  Lack of attachment. 
10. CELIBACY (BRAHMACHARYA).

Most of the Jains strictly follow the Jainism during these days like no dinner after sunset, no use of onion, Garlic, Potato etc. 

At  the conclusion of the festival, the followers  request each other for forgiveness for all offenses committed during the last year. This occurs on the the  Pratipada (first) of Ashwin Krashna for the Digambara. Also called Kshama Vani parva. Forgiving needs biggest courage and asking for forgiveness is most humble act. The festival clears the mental burden with no grudges and enmity with any one.

CP