D.C. Jain community commemorates Lord Mahavir's birth anniversary

April 29 :
The Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington (JSMW) commemorated the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir on Saturday, April 27. The Mahavir Janma Kalyanak event drew over 700 Jains and their friends and invited guests. Lord Mahavir, the propagator and 24th Tirthankara (ford-maker), was born in the sixth century BCE. He breathed new life into Jainism via his reforms, and he became a walking emblem of liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Politicians, members of the Indian embassy, JSMW followers, BAPS leaders, and Jain leaders were among those in attendance. The president of JSMW, Vishal Mehta, and the chairwoman, Dr. Gita Shah, welcomed them.

The younger Jains (from three to seventeen years old) who attended the JMSW Pathshala (Sunday School) showcased a variety of talents, including musical performances, dramatic presentations, and oratory. Traditionally, the two-hour cultural programme concluded with a vegetarian Jain lunch that omits root vegetables.

"The Jain Community in the DC region and JSMW are thriving," said Rahul Jain, director of public relations for JSMW. Near the White House in Prince George's County, JSMW is building a stunning new Jain temple. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Indian Embassy official Jigar Rawal, and a host of other esteemed guests were in attendance, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to our community.

The festivities weren't the only thing that JSMW members did to help fund the construction of their new temple in Beltsville, Maryland; they also contributed over $250,000. There were five senior JSMW members who were recognised at the ceremony with citations from the Maryland Governor for their outstanding community service: Kanaiyalal Doshi, Kantilal Gangar, Arvind Shah, Dr. Gita Shah, and Pravin Dand.

Serving around 650 families in the area, JMSW was established in 1980 with the goal of fostering a better understanding and practice of Jain teachings.Beltsville, Maryland is home to the new Jain Centre, while Silver Spring, Maryland is home to the existing one.