User:Sakal Jain Samaj

Historic Chaturmas organised by Sakal Jain Samaj Sakal Jain Samaj was founded in the year 1994 by Vijay Darda with the vision of uniting all sects of the Jain community under one national level organisation. It hosts and celebrates auspicious Jain events and festivals, and performs such activities in the furtherance of the religion. It aims to teach, promote and propagate its doctrine, by spreading awareness, and publishing and distributing its literature. The organisation also conducts discourses, conferences and conclaves to inspire and guide the people lead a righteous path. It provides and facilitates academic, cultural and intellectual exchanges among various communities across the country. It universally espouses the principles of pure vegetarianism, non-violence, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence. Sakal Jain Samaj, under the presidentship of Vijay Darda, had organised Chaturmas in 1994 in the country’s centrally located city, Nagpur. The first-of-its-kind event that hosted public discourses by different religious and spiritual leaders, lasted for six months instead of the traditional period of four months. It had more than 10,000 attendees, along with dignitaries and people from all walks of life visiting each day. Chaturmas is a holy period from July to October every year, beginning on Shayani Ekadashi. It is the eleventh day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of Ashadh, the fourth month of the Hindu Lunar Calendar. It lasts until Prabodhini Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the bright half of Kartik, that is the eighth month of the same calendar. This period is of utmost importance to all the sects of Jain community. During the period of Chaturmas, the Jain monks practise Varshayog and engage in prayers, religious activities and spiritual discussions. The wisdom and enlightenment laid down by Lord Mahavir are also followed by the community. They undertake penance, austerities, fasts, holy river baths and religious observances, including keeping silence, abstaining from a favourite food item, or having only a single meal a day.