Paryusana Festival
Building: Off Campus Campus Location: Off-campus City: Off Campus Event Type: Multifaith Calendar Event sponsor (school, institute, center, etc.): University Chaplaincy Open to Public: Yes Considered the holiest period of the year, these eight days are marked for Jains by fasting, meditation, prayer and public readings of the life story of Lord Mahavira. Observed especially by the followers of the Shvetambara sect, Paryusana concludes on Samvatsari, the most solemn occasion of self-scrutiny and forgiveness. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from their relatives and friends for any offense they may have committed by deed, word or thought. Observances may include limits to participation in academics or work and may include fasting.