Significance
Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth of Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, who propounded the eternal values of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya, brahmacharya and aparigraha.
It is the most important festival for the Jain community.
Rituals
The day begins with a ceremonial abhishek of Mahavir's idol, followed by processions (rath yatra), prayers and readings of his teachings. Devotees engage in charity, meditation and acts of compassion, and many take vows of restraint.
How the date is fixed
Mahavir Jayanti falls on the Trayodashi (13th tithi) of Chaitra Shukla paksha, the traditional birth date of Mahavir.