Devotees celebrate Mahavir Janma Kalyanak with a grand procession through South Mumbai, marking his birth. Pic/Special Arrangement
The procession winds through Khetwadi and VP Road in Girgaon area, turning ordinary streets into avenues of devotion as devotees carry a ‘palkhi’ of Lord Mahavir
Children beat drums and wave flags, infusing the spiritual procession with youthful energy and celebrating in their own joyful ways
Sadhus and sadhvis walk in serenity, embodying the principles of renunciation taught by Lord Mahavir followed by the jain crowd
Gacchaadhipati Raj Shekhar Suriji, leader of over 300 Jain saints, leads the spiritual gathering, symbolising guidance and continuity of Jain traditions
The celebration recalls Mahavir’s birth in 599 BCE at Kshatriyakund, a moment that shaped Jain philosophy
Devotees blow shankhs (conch shells), filling the air with sacred sounds as they joyously celebrate the divine festival
Saints and devotees gathered in large numbers, dressed in traditional attire, to honour the teachings of Lord Mahavir at Angrewadi hall, where the procession halted
Angrewadi Hall transforms into a hub of devotion as the procession concludes with collective prayers, while Shrimad Vijay Raj Shekhar Suriji’s discourse serves as a spiritual highlight, enriching the significance of the festival
His discourse captivates devotees with vivid descriptions of the environment in Kshatriyakund, the birthplace of Lord Mahavir, transporting listeners back 2,656 years
‘Gahuli,’ a traditional artwork crafted from rice, was beautifully showcased at Angrewadi Hall
A special display of the 14 auspicious dreams (Swapna) of Mahavir’s mother was presented in real silver, symbolising the birth of a Tirthankara, with lion as a focal point which is also the laanchan (symbol) of Lord Mahavir
More than a festival, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak and not just jayanti becomes a moment of reflection on ethical living and compassion.
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