Published on: April 9, 2025
By: [BTI]
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
The city of Rajnandgaon witnessed a rare spiritual spectacle as the skies reverberated with the powerful vibrations of the Navkar Mantra, chanted in unison by thousands to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. As part of the ongoing Mahavir Janma Kalyanak Mahotsav, the Jain community came together to celebrate with deep devotion and inspiring community spirit.
The day began at 6:00 AM with a grand Jeev Daya Yatra (Compassion for All Living Beings March) from the Vardhman Sthanak Bhavan in Sadar Bazaar. A large number of devotees participated in this symbolic procession and took a solemn pledge to uphold non-violence and compassion for all living beings — a central tenet of Jain philosophy.
The spiritual fervor intensified as the gathering moved to the Jain Garden, where from 8:01 AM to 9:36 AM, thousands of voices harmonized in the chanting of the sacred Navkar Mantra. The collective prayer for global peace created an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence. Observers remarked that the sky itself seemed to echo with the sound of the holy mantra.
The event, organized under the leadership of patron Manoj Vaid, convenor Ajay Singi, co-convenor Lalit Bhansali, vice-president Vijay Kankaria, secretary Lalit Chauradia, treasurer Rajendra Bafna, and minister CA Rahul Jain, was attended by several dignitaries. These included Member of Parliament Santosh Pandey, former MP Abhishek Singh, Mayor Madhusudan Yadav, Collector Sanjay Agrawal, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai District Collector Chandrakant Verma, SP Mohit Garg, and District BJP President Komal Singh Rajput, among others.
Participants also witnessed a live projection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address in honor of World Navkar Mantra Day, further adding to the significance of the occasion.
Adding a creative twist to spiritual learning, the committee organized a unique “Religious Cricket” tournament in the newly constructed hall of the Jain Garden. Based on questions related to Jainism, the game saw enthusiastic participation, especially from women, who answered questions and scored runs akin to a cricket match. Team “Navkar 11” emerged victorious, while team “Shri Siddham” secured the runner-up title.
The celebrations extended beyond religious rituals. From 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Veer Prasadam was served at Delhi Darwaza Chowk. A Sharbat Seva was also organized at the Digambar Jain Temple on Ganj Line between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. In a gesture of inclusive outreach, fruit distribution took place at Aastha Mook Badhir Shala at 4:00 PM.
The day concluded with a mesmerizing cultural evening by members of the Sakal Jain Sangh at the Jain Garden, showcasing music, dance, and drama inspired by Jain teachings, which captivated the audience well into the night.
The Mahavir Janma Kalyanak Mahotsav continues to blend devotion with creativity, compassion with action — a true reflection of the timeless values Lord Mahavir preached.
