Over 100 Jains to end year-long fast at Hyd ceremony on May 10

Hyderabad: More than 100 Jains, including 32 from Hyderabad, will conclude their year-long fasting regimen by consuming sugarcane juice on May 10, in a ceremony to be held in the city.

The event, known as Akshay Tritiya Parna Mahotsav, is being organised under the guidance of Jain Guru Dr Samkit Muni Ji and two other Jain monks. Around 700 Jains from various parts of India, including Nashik, Pune, Jodhpur, Karnataka, and Chennai, are expected to participate in the event, according to Shri Vardhaman Sthanakvasi Jain Shravak Sangh.

Prior to breaking their fast, participants will embark on a kilometer-long procession from Saibaba Temple in Gudi Malkapur to Dadawadi Jain Temple Karawan on May 10, with 20 chariots taking part in the procession. The Mahotsav, which commences on May 9, and concludes on May 10, is anticipated to draw around 4,000 attendees.

Akshay Tritiya holds significance in Jainism as it marks the end of one-year asceticism for the first Tirthankara, Rishab dev Bhagwan, by consuming sugarcane juice. Referred to by some Jains as Akashya Tritiya Parna Mahotsav, the festival signifies the conclusion of a year-long period of rigorous self-discipline, characterised by simple living, fasting, and ethical practices.