PARYUSHAN IS A FESTIVAL OF HOME COMING
Kolkata, 17 August - In the pious presence of Sadhvi Kanak Shriji and fellow Sadhavis., learned disciples of Yugpradhan Acharya Shri Mahapragyaji; Paryushan Mahaparva, the greatest annual function of the Jains, was celebrated this year at Kolkata Terapanth MAHASABHA Bhawan. On the first day of this Festival of Adoration, amongst the presence of thousands of Shrawaks & Shrawikas, Sadhvi Kanak Shri ji said: “ If the world understands the relevance of the Paryusan, then it can get relief from violence & sorrow. This festival encourages one self to get closer to his soul and inspires the followers to develop emotional relationship with all the living creatures, not only man. Self restraint is one of the most important principle laid down by Lord Mahavira.”
Layfollowers doing darshan of sadhvi kanak shriOn the first day of Paryushan Mahaparv, organized by Terapanthi Sabha, Kolkata, celebrated as ‘KHADYA SANYAM DIWAS’, (Food restrainment day),Thousands of devotees fasted.
With the inception of dawn, the environment echoed with the group chorus of Namaskar Mahamantra. With an eye to promote world peace, Namokkar Mantra will continue uninterruptedly for eight days. In the day the ladies wing & Shrawikas participate & in the night the gents continue the chanting. On the First day the whole night it was joined by members of Kolkata Terapanthi Sabha.
Sadhvi shri addressing on the eve of paryushan day-1- khadya sanyam diwas
Pragya Samvasaran of the Mahasabha Bhawan was occupied by innumerous devotees who had come from various places of Kolkata, North - South Howrah and Suburban area. The Paryushan Mahaparv started with a group song presented by the sisters of Mahila Mandal.
Audience in the morning of paryushan day one
Shrawikas in the paryushan day oneAddressing the gathering, learned Sadhvishri Kanakshriji said –‘ Paryushan Parv is an occasion of home - coming and the meaning of Paryushan is anniversary of a religious life.and celebration thereof.
‘She further asked that, in the name of rationality and self purification how much have we gained or lost throughout the year, an evaluation of the same should be done. This occasion is an occasion of making one self-reliant. This occasion is an occasion to subsidize the four passions viz., anger, deceit, conceit and greed. She encouraged tranquility, patience, penance and devotion. This occasion is an occasion of abandoning and not eating, waking up and not sleeping, worship and not desire. The first day of this occasion was celebrated as resisting the edible.’
Kolkata sabha members doing akhand jaap of namokaar mantra
Shrawikas in pratikraman
Lay followers in evening pratikramanIn the evening at 6 P.M., hundreds of lay followers attended collective Pratikraman at Mahasabha Samavsaran. Sri Naresh Nahata guided the lay followers in performing Pratikraman. Throughout the city, at various Sabha Bhawans Pratikraman (an act observed whereby one confesses the transgressions committed during the day) was successfully performed.
After Pratikraman, and Arhat Vandana, a Lecture Competition on the subject-‘Modern Education and our Virtues” was organized By Kolkata Terapanth Sabha in which 17 competitors participated. Smt. Sonu Baid, Sri Lalit Ghoshal and Smt.Sunita Sethia were awarded 1st 2nd and 3rd prize respectively. All other participants were given mementoes. Hon’ble Judges of the competition - Sri Banechand Maloo, Sri Bhanwarlal Baid, Sri Bhojraj Baid, Sri Moolchand Daga and Smt. Tara Devi Surana were honored by literary mementoes. Sadhvi Kanakshri ji addressed the gathering and praised the effort of the participants. Sri Karan Singh Nahata, President Kolkata Sabha offered vote of thanks. The evening programme was compered by Sri Sushil Choraria. Sri Narendra Kumar Manot, Secretary-Kolkata Sabha, alongwith past presidents Sri Janwarimal Bengani, Sri Kanhaiyalal Patawari, Sri Mahalchand Bhansali was instrumental in managing the arrangements for forthcoming 8 days Paryushan 2009 programme at Mahasabha Bhawan.