Mahavir Jayanti was the most revered religious leader in this century. Mahavir was perceived in his times as a reformer who vehemently opposed the ritualism and false beliefs which saddled Hinduism in later Vedic times. He led his followers instead to seek salvation through penance and abstinence. Mahavir, born a prince in 599 BC in a royal family .At the age of 30 and undertook austere penance till he achieved realisation.He renounced worldy life . He spread the message of salvation to the world but he had to face several criticsm.

        Vardhaman Mahavir, 24 the tirthkar is the pivotal figure in the 5,000-year-old ascetic religious tradition of Jainism. Mahavir, however, is the last in a line of tirthankaras or `bridge builders', the first being Lord Rishabh. There were many conflicts among the Jains on issues such as idol worship.

        The main sects now are the Digambaras and Shvetambaras, with the latter again divided into Deravasis and Sthanakvasis. While the Deravasis visit the temples and worship the statue of Mahavir, the Sthanakvasis emphasise the internalisation of the faith. Mahavir himself was against idol worship.

        On the day of Mahavir Jayanthi ( Birth anniversary), many members of the community make offerings of milk, rice, fruit, incense, lamps and water to the tirthankar. Some sections of the community even participate in a grand procession.