Kolkata - Paryushan Celebrations 2007 - Day 1 - Khadya Samyam Diwas

Paryushan 2007 Celebrations
at
Terapanth Bhavan, 9a, Anuvarat Sarini, Kolkata. phone no.033/24768878

Day 1

09.09.2007

Paryushan is an important festival of Jains. The festival is celebrated worldwide by the Jains as the festival for the discovery of truth of the worldly life & the inner wisdom of ones self. This festival does not follow the dead conventions & traditions, instead requires constant watchfulness & control over ones self to preserve the source of eternal happiness by fasting, practicing meditation, listening to discourses & undertaking deep self–analysis.

The greatest annual function of the Jains, the Paryushan Mahaparva, was celebrated this year at Kolkata Terapanth Bhawan under the pious presence of Sadhavi Nirvanshreeji and fellow Sadhavis. On the first day of this Festival of Adoration, amongst the presence of thousands of Shrawaks & Shrawikas, Sadhvi Shree Nirvanshreeji said: “If the world understands the relevance of the Paryushan, 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 principles laid down by Lord Mahavira.”

Sadhavi Dr. Yogkshemprabha said that, “In these nine days of Paryushan Mahaparva (great festival), Shrawak must try to travel spiritually to get closer to his soul & thus enter the territory of spiritualism.”

The First day was being observed as the “KHADYA SANYAM DIWAS” (Food restrainment day), where one must exercise self-control over eating. Paryushan is a festival of emotions, prayers, and self-contemplation. It means getting closer to soul and “ATMA TATWA” (Elements of the Soul). Instead of wasting time sitting, gossiping with friends it is essential for one to sit near the soul & interact with it, which will eliminate the elements of enmity. Interacting with the soul enables one to find out ones weakness. Soul holds the key of happiness & sorrow.

On this occasion Smt., Lalita Surana (with Maskhaman Tap (month long fast), observing fast continually for a month) & Smt., Nirmala Bafana (with 15 days fasting) were honored by the Sabha.

In the evening, throughout the city Pratikaman (an act observed whereby one confesses the transgressions committed during the day) was successfully performed. The Terapanth Yuvak Parishad organized Music Competition for youths in which about 20 youths participated. Mr. Bhutoria stood First, Mr. Surendra Choraria, Mr. Jaskaran Golechha & Mr.Jagat Choraria got 2nd,3rd & Consolation prizes.

On this auspicious occasion for 7 days beginning with Paryushan a continuous chanting of Namokar Mantra uninterruptingly (day & night). 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 young members of Kolkata Teyup.

(click on any photo to see more of this event)