The Jain community in the city began Chaturmas Pravesh, a four-month observance of fasting, with a grand and colourful procession here.
Organisers of the Sakal Jain Shri Sangh Chaturmas Samiti that conducted the procession told City Express that for Jains, the Chaturmas period of July to October is a time marked by spiritual discourses, prayers and vows of silence (mouna virathams).
‘’All over India, Jains commence their fast during this period. The objective of the fast is to strengthen the inner soul,” said Sanjai Bhansali, a member of Sakal Jain Shri Sangh Chaturmas Samiti.
He explained that those who observe the fast do not eat after dusk. “We don’t even drink juice. Water is the only thing that we consume, and even that, only once per day,” Bhansali said.
Noting that many young Jains do not observe the fast as it is rigorous, he said that the only way for them to understand both the realities of life and the ideals of Jainism is through such penance.
During these four months, Jain saints are not supposed to travel. They are expected to stay at a particular place to observe the fast. The period between July 13 and 21 will be observed as athai, which means eight days of fasting.
During athai, over 1,008 devotees will commence their fast. A paryushan, meaning eight holy days, will be observed during this period. During the paryushan, holy scriptures will be read and vows of silence will continue to be observed, apart from daily bhajans and discourses.
“Will power is the most important thing when it comes to the fast. If the will power is strengthened, not only will the spiritual journey be easy, but it will also help a man lead a better life,” an elderly Jain said.