August 2026: Preparing for the Great Festival of Forgiveness
In the Jain world, August 2026 is the month of peak anticipation. As we move through the Shravan month of Vikram Samvat 2082, the atmosphere in every Derasar and Sthanak becomes electric. This month is the final countdown to Paryushan Mahaparva, the king of all festivals.
In 2026, the 8-day festival of Paryushan (Shvetambara) is expected to begin in late August. This is the time when Jains engage in Attham (3-day fasts), Atthais (8-day fasts), and listen to the holy Kalpa Sutra. It is a period of asking for Michhami Dukkadam (forgiveness) from every living being.
The Significance of the Shravan Month
August 2026 aligns with the Shravan month, which is traditionally a period of intense Bhakti. For Jains, this month is dedicated to Tap (penance). Many people observe Ekantara (fasting every other day) or Biyasana (two meals a day) throughout this month to prepare their digestive systems and minds for the rigors of Paryushan.
Sacred Dates in August 2026
- Saturday, August 8, 2026: Shravan Krishna Dashami. An auspicious day for special Pooja and temple visits.
- Wednesday, August 12, 2026: Shravan Amavasya. A day of deep meditation and silence at the end of the dark fortnight.
- Friday, August 28, 2026: Shravan Purnima / Raksha Bandhan. Beyond the sibling bond, Jains view this as a day of "Raksha" (protection) of the soul from karmic influx.
The Spirit of Forgiveness (Kshamavani)
As August closes, the focus shifts to internal cleansing. The goal is KshamaтАФforgiving those who have hurt us and seeking pardon from those we have wronged. This August, we invite you to use our Jain Panchang to track the exact start of the holy 8 days to ensure you are spiritually ready for the most important week of the year.