Mahavir Jayanti 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate the ‘2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav’ today, April 21, on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, at 10 AM at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, his office said in a statement. The event will be commencing with the PM releasing a commemorative stamp and coin, followed by his address to the gathering. 


“Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav, on the auspicious occasion of Mahaveer Jayanti, on 21st April at 10 AM at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi,” it said. 


“Prime Minister will release a commemorative stamp and coin and also address the gathering on the occasion,” it added. 


Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar, illuminated the path of peaceful co-existence and universal brotherhood through Jain principles such as Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Sata (Truthfulness), Asteya (Non-Stealing), Brahmacharya (Chastity), and Aparigraha (Non-attachment).


Notably,  Jains Commemorate Five Kalyanaks (major events) of every Tirthankar, including Magavir Swami ji: Chyavana/Garbha (Conception) Kalyanak; Janma (Birth) Kalyanak; Diksha (Renunciation) Kalyanak; Kevaljnana (Omniscience) Kalyanak and Nirvana (Liberation/Ultimate Salvation) Kalyanak.


Today, marks the Janma Kalyanak of Bhagwani Mahavir Swami. The Government is honouring the occasion by organising a cultural programme at Bharat Mandapam, with Saints from the Jain community gracing the event. 


Mahavir Jayanti 2024


Mahavir Jayanti, a revered festival in Jainism, commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. Observed with profound devotion by millions of Jains worldwide, Mahavir Jayanti holds a special place in the hearts of the followers of this ancient faith. 


Mahavir, born in 599 BCE in Vaishali, an ancient city in present-day Bihar, India, was originally named Vardhamana. He was born into the royal family of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. At the age of 30, he renounced his princely status and embarked on a spiritual quest, seeking enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.