Religion & Society:

We Jains have become quite proficient in organizing the celebration of Bhagwaan Mahaveer's Birth Anniversary (Mahaveer Jayanti) extending from one to three days. In 2002, the 2600th anniversary was celebrated and in 2003, it was the 2601st anniversary. Everybody knows that the grand celebration falls on the thirteenth day of the bright fortnight of CHAITRA month of the Indian calendar.

On the eleventh day, Jains organize Vegetarianism (SHAAKAAHAAR) Day and on the twelfth day, Nonviolence (AHIMSA) Day. Routinely, we Jains involve a few schools, a few womens' institutions and some district correctional facility in the course of our celebrations. Some scholars conduct the activities of Vegetarianism Day, some monks and nuns deliver religious discourses at correctional facilities, and exhibits of arts and crafts, and food banks are organized at womens' institutes.

Traditionally, on the eleventh day, groups of children participate in vegetarianism rallies, on the twelfth day, the youths ride their scooters in nonviolence rallies, and on the thirteenth day, the entire community walks through the towns in morning rallies. There is a multitude of flags, banners, bands, floats, plays and other entertainment. Undoubtedly, these activities constitute the celebration of the birth anniversary of Mahaveer. There is one more important event. On the thirteenth day, in the afternoon, under a large tent, with great pomp and show, there is bidding for bathing and worship of (a mute) idol/image of Bhagwaan Mahaveer. That is all.

We Jains have passed 2600 years in such celebrations. We are totally oblivious to what should be done beyond these activities. We made a lot of noise and so the government of India granted one hundred crores of rupees to the Jain community. We felt very proud at the thought that the Jain community and its leaders have considerable influence on the government. . .

. . . We are totally unconcerned about the fact that our institutions have serious internal discords. When will our scholars join each other on a common platform? Why do our monks reject the concept of unity? Where monks want to dominate their superiors, where monks dance to the tunes of the donors, where loudspeakers, media and decorations are funded through black money (earned through unscrupulous means), under such circumstances, how can we discern any meaningful way to celebrate Mahaveer Jayanti?

We should focus on the unique features of our religion. It is time that both ascetics and householders celebrate Mahaveer Jayanti at a spiritual level. In such an instance, fresh fruits and flowers will truly blossom in front of the new generation.

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