Paryushan is the most important festival of Jainism. It is typically eight days long, although some branches of Jainism observe Paryushan for ten days. It is an intense time of spiritual worship for observers and a time of coming together.
While there are no set practices, Jains emphasize the Five Vows. During the eight or ten days of Paryushan, Jains typically fast, with some only drinking boiled water at night for up to a month. On the final day of Paryushan, Jains will ask for forgiveness for any offenses they have committed knowingly or unknowingly. No Jain is supposed to continue a quarrel after Paryushan.
Avoid scheduling important events or activities. Expect that observers will not attend meetings or communicate on this day. Observers will also be fasting, so do not schedule any strenuous activity.
