Our Bureau
Washington
Joe Biden has greeted people of the Jain faith on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. He is the first US President to do so. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to mark the birth of Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism who spread peace and harmony through his teachings.
“Jill and I wish a joyous Mahavir Jayanti to people of the Jain faith,” Biden said in a post on X. “Today, let us continue to recognise the values Mahavir Swami embodied and celebrate by spreading love, joy, and harmony,” Biden said.
Biden is the first US President to send official greetings on Mahavir Jayanti.
Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, who was given the name of ‘Vardhamana’ in his childhood. Lord Mahavir was born in 615 BC in a royal family.
Ajay Bhutoria, an eminent Jain community leader and President’s Advisor on Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Commissioner, warmly welcomed Biden’s message.
Bhutoria in his statement expressed deep appreciation for Biden’s recognition of the significance of Mahavir Jayanti to the Jain faith and highlighted the timeless teachings of Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, emphasising the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), truthfulness, non-possessiveness, and self-discipline.
Bhutoria emphasized the relevance of Mahavir’s teachings in today’s world and said that amidst global challenges, the values of love, joy, and harmony are more vital than ever.
The birth anniversary of Mahavira is celebrated with joy and excitement by the Jain community across the globe.
Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with rituals like praying at Jain temples, processions, singing hymns adoring Lord Mahavira, fasting to purify the body and soul, charity, cultural programs, and lectures by religious scholars and leaders.
The festival of Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to highlight the significance of Jainism in the world, especially in India. The key teaching of ‘ahinsa parmo dharma’ or non-violence, is of great significance in the world today.
