After Paryushan, Jains are now busy with mass paarna, a huge event, which would witness the participation of 1,350 devotees from across the city and nearby areas on the Sabarmati riverfront on Wednesday.
Incidentally, this is for the first time that the city would see such a huge participation from the Jain community that would gather for paarna (ending one’s fast).
Around 150 sadhvis and 100 sadhus would be present to bless the devotees. Of the total number of sadhus, there will be five acharya bhagwan, 38 padast guru bhagwan and other sadhus.
Preparations were on in full swing as close to 60,000 people, who are family members of the participants, are expected to attend the event. Also, around 8,000 to 10,000 cattle would be given food at Panjrapol.
The event will be held near Vallabh Sadan. Organised by the Samuhik Siddhitap Sankalan Samiti, 21 Jain sanghs of the city would take part to create a record of sorts. The entire event would be performed under the aegis of Gacchadipati Shri Jayghosh Surishwarji Maharaj and Panyas Shri Mahabodhi Vijayji Maharaj.
“For years, we have been organising mass paarna in Mumbai and nearby cities. Last year, too, we created a record with 1,200 people performing paarna in Mumbai. But, this year, we have been requested by the Ahmedabad Jains to hold a similar event,” said Panyas Shri Mahabodhi Vijayji Maharaj, claiming that they never expected the participation to set a new record.
The rath yatra will be held on Thursday and the devotees participating in the mass paarna would be felicitated on Friday, added the Maharaj. Incidentally, three of the participants are from abroad. Two of them are sisters, residing in China. “It’s because of my cousins. They gave me the courage to participate. I’m very excited,” said 13-year-old Vaachna Shah from Suzhou city in China.
“We thought of participating as we both had observed 45 days Paryushan this year,” said Deshna Shah, 15, Vaachna’s elder sister.
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