School and college students, housewives, businessmen and elders gathered on the YMCA grounds in Royapettah with a common intent - they were fasting for the cause of world peace.
To mark the 112th birth anniversary of Anand Rishiji Maharaj, 600 devotees had taken a vow to fast for eight days, known as athai, and the final day was Friday.
Anand Rishi Maharaj was the second Pattadhar Acharya for the Jains from 1964 to 1992.
Ten others had taken a vow of maskaman, which is fasting for 30 days. During this period, they can take only boiled water, and that too only from 7 am to 6.30 pm. Under the guidance of Jain guru Upadhyaya Pravar Pravin Rishiji, the Sakal Jain Shree Sangh organised the felicitation for the devotees.
The guru was present at the function, having walked barefoot to Chennai all the way from Pune.
Chandrakanta, a housewife, said, “This is the first time I am fasting for a cause. I feel good about it, although during that time it was a bit difficult. I’m glad I was able to complete the fasting I set out to do.”
Organiser Sanjay Bhansali said, “It is a matter of mind over body. There are those who fast for more than 30 days as well.” The Sakal Jain Shree Sangh also organised a Chaturmas Samiti alongside the event, where various workshops, seminars, prayer meetings, discussions and donation drives were held.