Mahavir Jayanti 2027
Monday, 19 April 2027 (in 162 days)
Rule: Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi; date set each year by DoPT
Chaitra, Shukla Trayodashi
- Trayodashi Tithi Begins - 07:45 AM on Apr 18
- Trayodashi Tithi Ends - 06:11 AM on Apr 19
Tithi times are the same everywhere in India (IST); sunrise-based dates are for New Delhi.
Other years: 2026: Tuesday, 31 March
Holiday status
- Central Government offices
- Gazetted holiday: Central Government offices closed (DoPT list), Saka date Chaitra 29.
- Banks (RBI)
- The RBI has not published its 2027 bank holiday list yet.
Puja muhurat by city, Monday, 19 April 2027
| City | Sunrise | Sunset | Pradosh Kaal | Nishita Kaal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | 05:53 AM | 06:50 PM | 06:50 PM to 09:02 PM | 11:59 PM to 12:43 AM |
| Mumbai | 06:20 AM | 06:58 PM | 06:58 PM to 09:14 PM | 12:16 AM to 01:01 AM |
| Kolkata | 05:15 AM | 05:59 PM | 05:59 PM to 08:14 PM | 11:14 PM to 11:59 PM |
| Chennai | 05:55 AM | 06:23 PM | 06:23 PM to 08:41 PM | 11:46 PM to 12:32 AM |
| Bengaluru | 06:06 AM | 06:34 PM | 06:34 PM to 08:52 PM | 11:57 PM to 12:43 AM |
| Hyderabad | 05:59 AM | 06:34 PM | 06:34 PM to 08:51 PM | 11:53 PM to 12:39 AM |
| Ahmedabad | 06:17 AM | 07:03 PM | 07:03 PM to 09:17 PM | 12:17 AM to 01:02 AM |
| Pune | 06:16 AM | 06:53 PM | 06:53 PM to 09:10 PM | 12:12 AM to 12:57 AM |
| Jaipur | 06:01 AM | 06:53 PM | 06:53 PM to 09:07 PM | 12:04 AM to 12:49 AM |
| Lucknow | 05:40 AM | 06:33 PM | 06:33 PM to 08:46 PM | 11:44 PM to 12:28 AM |
| Patna | 05:25 AM | 06:15 PM | 06:15 PM to 08:29 PM | 11:27 PM to 12:12 AM |
| Bhopal | 05:58 AM | 06:43 PM | 06:43 PM to 08:58 PM | 11:58 PM to 12:43 AM |
| Guwahati | 04:58 AM | 05:49 PM | 05:49 PM to 08:02 PM | 11:01 PM to 11:45 PM |
| Thiruvananthapuram | 06:12 AM | 06:33 PM | 06:33 PM to 08:52 PM | 11:59 PM to 12:46 AM |
Pradosh Kaal: the first fifth of the night after sunset. Nishita Kaal: the eighth of the fifteen night muhurtas, around midnight. Check that the tithi is still running at the time you choose.
Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most significant religious festivals in Jainism, commemorating the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and final Tirthankara. The holiday promotes peace, harmony, and the core philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence).
Good to know
Mahavir Jayanti is an official public holiday across India. Government offices, schools, colleges, banks, and stock markets remain closed, while public transit operates on holiday schedules.
History
Lord Mahavira, originally named Vardhamana, was born into a royal family in Kundagrama (near present-day Vaishali in Bihar) in the 6th century BCE. According to Jain tradition, his mother Queen Trishala experienced a series of auspicious dreams prior to his birth, signaling the arrival of a great spiritual leader. At the age of 30, Vardhamana renounced his royal privileges and worldly possessions to pursue an ascetic life dedicated to meditation and spiritual realization.
After twelve years of rigorous self-discipline and meditation, he achieved Kevala Jnana (omniscience). Lord Mahavira spent the rest of his life traveling across ancient India to preach the spiritual truths of non-violence, truthfulness, and self-restraint, establishing the modern foundation of Jainism before attaining Moksha (liberation) at Pawapuri.
How it is observed
On Mahavir Jayanti, devotees visit Jain temples to engage in prayer, meditation, and spiritual lectures. Temples are beautifully decorated, and an idol of Lord Mahavira is given a ceremonial bath called 'abhisheka' using milk and fragrant water. A central highlight of the day is the Rath Yatra, a grand procession in which the idol is carried on a decorated chariot through local streets. Followers practice charity extensively by distributing food, clothing, and medicine to the underprivileged, and many observe fasts while advocating for animal welfare and strict vegetarianism.
Facts
- The two major sects of Jainism, Digambara and Svetambara, both celebrate Mahavir Jayanti, though they differ slightly on the historical calculation of his birth year.
- Lord Mahavira codified five supreme vows for spiritual living: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), and Aparigraha (non-attachment).
- To mark the occasion's emphasis on non-violence, several state governments in India order the closure of slaughterhouses and meat shops on this day.
Questions about Mahavir Jayanti
When does Mahavir Jayanti take place?
The festival is held on the 13th day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which corresponds to March or April in the Gregorian calendar.
Is Mahavir Jayanti a nationwide holiday in India?
Yes, Mahavir Jayanti is a gazetted central government holiday in India, meaning public institutions across the country observe a day off.
What dietary practices are observed on Mahavir Jayanti?
Devotees adhere strictly to a sattvic Jain vegetarian diet, and many observe fasts. Meals avoid root vegetables like onions, garlic, and potatoes to prevent harm to microscopic life.
Source: DoPT O.M. dated 03.07.2025 (2026) and 16.07.2026 (2027)