Mahavir Jayanti is the most important festival in Jainism and commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara. Born as Vardhamana in the ancient kingdom of Videha, Mahavira renounced his royal life in search of spiritual truth and spent years practicing deep meditation, austerity and self-discipline. He eventually attained Kevala Jnana (perfect knowledge) and became a Tirthankara, showing the path toward liberation from the cycle of birth and death. On Mahavir Jayanti, Jain communities gather at temples and pilgrimage sites to honor his life and teachings. Devotees participate in prayers, meditation, religious discourses and processions carrying images of Mahavira. Temples are decorated with flowers, and a ceremonial abhisheka (ritual bathing) of Mahavira's idol is performed in many places. The festival emphasizes the core Jain principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity) and Aparigraha (non-attachment). Acts of charity, feeding the poor and caring for animals are also encouraged, reflecting Mahavira's teachings of compassion toward all living beings.