Mahavir Jayanthi is an important jain festival. The parents of this saint were very religious and during her pregnancy, the mother of Saint Mahavir, saw beautiful dreams and when interpreted it was made known that the baby who would be born would be a blessed child.

Saint Mahavir is the pioneer of the religion Jainism that preaches an extreme form of ascetism and self-control.

This auspicious day is celebrated on the 13th day of the month of Chaitra in accordance to the Hindu calendar. Unlike other religious celebrations, this festivity is not celebrated with pomp and show. Instead on this day the religious and the devotees resort to a silent time of praise and worship. A silent procession is carried on, children meditate on the life of Saint Mahavir and sing praises to God.

This festival is celebrated mostly in cities of like Old Delhi, Gujarat and Rajasthan, where a sizeable population of Jains are found.

Unlike there counterparts a great celebration is held in some parts of Calcutta, Bihar and Gujarat.

Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on April 11 in 2008, and in the coming year 2009 will be celebrated on April 7th.