President, PM greet nation on Mahavir Jayanti
By IANSSaturday, March 27, 2010
NEW DELHI - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pratibha Patil Saturday greeted the nation on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, saying his teachings inspire people to live in peace and harmony.
Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated in the country Sunday.
On the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, I convey my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all the people. May Lord Mahavirs noble teachings inspire us to work for peace and harmony for the welfare of humanity, the president said in her message to the nation.
The prime minister in a statement said that Lord Mahavir’s life and teachings inspire people to be compassionate and simple. “His teachings show the path to a life of happiness and contentment.”
“Lord Mahavir’s profound message remains a beacon of hope in today’s world,” Manmohan Singh said.
On Mahavir Jayanti, Jain temples are decorated with flags and the idol of Mahavira is given a ceremonial bath called the ‘abhishek’. The day of his birth is celebrated in a massive procession around the cities. Jains make offerings of milk, rice, fruit, incense, lamps and water to the poor that day.
