<span style="color: #222222;">In Maharashtra, the Mahavir Jayanti is being celebrated today in a simple manner across the state due to the Covid pandemic. Mahavir Jayanti is one of the auspicious festivals of the Jains as it is marked to celebrate the birth of Lord Mahavir.   Devotees commemorate this religious festival in loving memory of the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, who was the last spiritual leader.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">On the special day, members of the Jain community carry out rath yatras, engage in charitable acts, visit temples, offer prayers, pujas, and do fasting. However, this year, Jains will celebrate the festival at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">According to the Hindu Calendar, Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated on the 13th day of the bright half of the moon in the month of Chaitra. All his life, Lord Mahavir preached Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity) and aparigraha (non-attachment) to his disciples and his teachings were called Jain Agamas.</span><br />''  <br />