Mumbai: Jain homes across the world will adopt a quieter, inward-looking rhythm from Tuesday as Paryushan Maha Parva begins. The eight-day festival focuses on fasting, self-reflection and forgiveness. This year, 1,065 Jains in Mulund have begun a month-long atthai fast, which will end on the festival’s final day. The festival assumes added significance as the three Jain sects, Swetambars, Sthanakwasis and Terapanthis, will observe it together. Jain philosophy teacher Babulal Jain said fasting helps devotees overcome attachment, anger, greed and desire and attain inner peace. Around 500 Jain families in Japan are also expected to observe the fast. Across Mumbai, temples will hold scripture sessions. At NSCI Dome in Worli, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission will host programmes featuring Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, while Parasdham will hold sessions led by Pujya Namramuniji.tnn
