Jayanti of the 24th Tirthankara, Bhagwan Mahavir was celebrated with immense fervour and devotion across Sanskardhani, on Thursday. Jain community took out a grand Shobhayatra (procession), apart from performing various traditional rituals. Special prayers and abhishek were performed at various Jain temples. Highlight of the celebrations was the grand procession that commenced from the historic Hanumantal Jain Temple. Under the spiritual guidance of Samaysagar Ji Maharaj and his disciples, the procession, including four silver chariots, carrying beautiful idols of Lord Mahavir. Main palanquin of the deity was mounted on a chariot made of silver.

 

The procession passed through Ghoda Nakkas, Miloniganj, Kotwali, Kamania Gate, Khajanchi Chowk, Andherdev, Tularam Chowk, Karamchand Chowk, Malviya Chowk, Super Market, Ganjipura and Lordganj. At various places along the route, residents and organisations welcomed the procession with floral showers and devotional offerings. Participants, including women and children joined with enthusiasm, accompanied by traditional music, drumbeats and folk dances such as dul-dul ghodi. Multiple platforms were erected across the city to welcome the procession, where refreshments like jalebi, fruits, sherbet and water were served to the devotees. One of the main attractions of the Shobhayatra was series of tableaux depicting significant events from the life of Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj. Following the procession, a Vatsalya Bhoj was organised at Lakha Bhavan.

 

In the afternoon, a melodious abhishek-pujan ceremony was held at Bada Fuhara, further adding to the spiritual ambiance. Traders’ Association also set up a grand stage between Malviya Square and Karamchand Chowk to welcome the procession and conducted special prayers. A large number of women from Jain community took part in the procession. On conclusion of the procession, Acharya Shri delivered a discourse addressing the entire Jain community. Later in the evening, Jain Yuva Sabha organised an All-India Kavi Sammelan at Kamania Gate, where noted poets including Dinesh Raghuvanshi, Manu Vaishali, Vinod Pal, Manju Dixit and Sajal Jain presented poetry in various genres.