- Last day of Paryushan
- Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi or Panchami
- Micchami Dukkadam
Where it began
Samvatsari means yearly. On this day Jains look back on the whole year, think about any harm they may have caused in thought, word or deed, and ask to be forgiven.
Micchami Dukkadam is a phrase in Prakrit. It is said to family, friends and even strangers, and the idea is to forgive others freely as well.
How it grew over time
Ancient times
The yearly forgiveness rite closes the monks' rainy season gathering.
Medieval period
The Samvatsari pratikraman prayer becomes a central rite for lay Jains.
Later centuries
Families send forgiveness letters to relatives far away.
Today
Messages of Micchami Dukkadam are shared widely, in person and by phone.
How it is celebrated in different places
Gujarat
Temples and halls fill for the long evening pratikraman.
Mumbai and Rajasthan
Many people fast for the whole day and break it with family the next morning.
UK, US and Kenya
Jain centres hold the forgiveness prayer together.
Samvatsari today
Many Jains fast, spend hours in the temple and join the yearly pratikraman. Afterwards they fold their hands and ask everyone they know for forgiveness, starting the year with a clean heart.
