Mahavir Jayanti, also known as Mahavira Janma Kalyanaka, is the most important festival of Jainism. This festival is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, who was the 24th and last Tirthankar of Jainism. Lord Mahavira was born on the Shukla Paksha Trayodashi of the waxing moon of Chaitra month (Chaitra Sud 13) from the womb of Queen Trishala and King Siddhartha, at village Kshatriyakund of Bihar state, India. According to Shwetambar tradition, his birth year is 599 BCE and birthplace is Kshatriyakund village of Jumui district, Bihar and die on 527 BCE in Pavapuri (Bihar, India), whereas according to some historical and Digambar traditions, his birth year is 615 BCE in Kundalpur, Bihar, and his death year is 510 BCE
Being from his father’s lineage (Nata or Jnatri), Lord Mahavir was also called Nigantha Nataputta, which means “one who is free from bond.” His childhood name was also Vardhamana, which means “prosperity or growth.” Despite being a prince, he renounced the world at the age of 30 and preached principles like ahimsa, satya, and aparigraha. He gave the message of love and non-violence to all living beings. That is why, the Jain community celebrates his birthday as Mahavir Jayanti with great reverence and devotion.
Mahavir Jayanti 2025 in India
Jain communities across the world celebrate Mahavir Jayanti with great reverence and devotion. Although Jain religion believes in simplicity and staying away from show-off, still many meaningful religious activities are performed on this holy day. Every year Mahavir Jayanti is also celebrated all over India with great entusism by the people of the Jain community, but in some states like Bihar, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Odisha, and Maharashtra, its celebration is a bit more grand, as there is a raised Jain population. Mahavir Jayanti 2025 will also be a sacred occasion for Jain communities in these countries, where people will pledge to adopt their principles—ahimsa (non-violence), satya (simplicity), and aparigraha.
Major Celebration Places in India
State | Famous Jain Sites | Highlights |
Bihar | Vaishali, Nalanda, Rajgir | Mahavir Janmabhoomi region; ancient Jain heritage |
Gujarat | Palitana Temples, Panch Kalyanak Temple | Palitana – sacred pilgrimage site on Mount Shatrunjaya; Panch Kalyanak – life events of Mahavir |
Rajasthan | Shree Mahavirji Temple, Ranakpur Temples | Ranakpur – grand architecture with 80 domes and 400 pillars; Mahavirji – enlightenment place |
Karnataka | Saavira Kambada Basadi (Moodabidri) | Famous for 1000 pillars; main Jain temple among 18 shrines in the region |
Maharashtra | Ellora Caves | Rock-cut Jain temples (5th–10th century); UNESCO World Heritage site |
Odisha | Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves | Among oldest Jain caves with inscriptions and rock-cut statues, near Bhubaneswar |
Madhya Pradesh | Kundalpur, Sonagiri, Khajuraho Jain Temples | Known for ancient Digambara Jain temples; spiritual importance |
When is Mahavir Jayanti celebrated in 2025?
Mahavir Jayanti is an important festival of the Jain community, celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara and the founder of Jainism. This community celebrates it according to Hindu Panchang calender and Lord Mahavir was born on the 13th day of the bright half of the moon (Trayodashi) in the Shukla Paksha of the Chaitra month (Chaitra Sud 13), as per the Hindu Panchang calendar. This date usually falls in the months of March or April in the Gregorian calendar. Mahavir Jayanti 2025 will be observed on 10th April 2025 (Thursday).
Mahavir Jayanti 2025 tithi
Mahavir Jayanti 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, April 10. This date falls on the Trayodashi of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month (Chaitra Sud 13) of the Hindu calendar. According to the Panchang, Trayodashi Tithi will be start from 10:55 pm, 9th April 2025 to 1:00 am. 11th April 2025.
Mahavir Jayanti 2026 & 2027 Dates
Year | Date | Day |
2026 | 2 April | Thursday |
2027 | 21 April | Wednesday |
How is Mahavir Jayanti celebrated?
Mahavir Jayanti is a important holy festival for the people of Jain religion, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm, faith and devotion throughout India. On this day people visit Jain temples to have darshan of Lord Mahavir, worship and offer prayers, and remember his teachings.
- Early in the morning, a procession or Shobha Yatra is taken out in which the idol of Lord Mahavir is decorated, and devotional songs are sung along with the devotees.
- Charity also has special importance on this day. People donate food, clothes and other necessary things to the poor. Many people also observe fast on this holy day.
Main rituals and activities of Mahavir Jayanti:
- Rath Yatra/Shobha Yatra: The idol of Lord Mahavir is placed on a decorated chariot and taken around the city.
- Pooja and Aarti: Bhajans, stutis and aarti are organized in Jain temples.
- Abhishek: The idol of Lord Mahavir is bathed with water, milk etc. (abhishek).
- Charity and Service: People donate and serve at places like cow shelter, hospitals, orphanages etc.
- Vrat: Many people observe a fast on this day and meditate for inner-soul purification.
- Ahimsa Walks: People take part in rallies and yatras to spread the message of peace and non-violence.
Is Mahavir Jayanti a National, Public, Government or Bank holiday?
Mahavir Jayanti is a Gazetted Holiday. On this day-
- Government offices remain closed
- Banks also remain closed (Bank Holiday)
- Schools and colleges also remain closed
- It is listed in the calendar as a public holiday
This means that it is a holiday recognized at the national level, but its implementation is based on the Jain population and local decision in each state.
Historical significance of Mahavir Jayanti and its message in today's time
Mahavir Swami showed not only Jain religion, but the entire Indian society the path of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), and simple living. He sacrificed his worldly pleasures and did severe penance for 30 years and attained salvation. His message – “Ahimsa Parmo Dharma” – is equally relevant even today. Children should be taught through Mahavir Jayanti that one must always choose the path of non-violence, speak the truth, never take anyone’s goods without permission and follow the principle of simple living and high thinking. In today’s era when pollution and violence are on the rise, Mahavir Jayanti reminds us – “Live” and Let Live.” Jain religion also has a feeling of respect and devotion towards nature and living beings. On this day, people plant trees, feed animals, organize plastic-free processions, and promote a vegan lifestyle. Apart from this, people send heartfelt shayari and messages to their friends and family on Mahavir Jayanti, such as:
- “It is the message of non-violence, it is the name of Mahavir, It is the message of peace, this is their belief. Happy Mahavir Jayanti 2025!”
- “Salute to Mahavir Swami who showed the path of truth, non-violence and kindness. Wishing you a blessed Mahavir Jayanti!”
Final Touch
Mahavir Jayanti 2025 is a festival that serves as a spiritual and ethical guidance for not just the Jain community but for everyone. Principles such as Ahimsa, Satya, and Aparigraha are relevant even today. On this day, we can bring peace, daya, and love in our lives by remembering the teachings of Lord Mahavir.
On Mahavir Jayanti, you too must pledge to follow the path of Lord Mahavir and transform your life into a new form.
Significant festival emphasizing peace, non-violence, and enlightenment.