Micchami Dukkadam 2024: A Day of Forgiveness In Jainism

You may have heard the phrase “forgive and forget”, but what does it really mean to forgive? For Jains, forgiveness has a special meaning and is marked each year by saying Micchami Dukkadam during Samvatsari, a day to seek forgiveness from others. Coming up on September 3, 2024, Tuesday, Jains worldwide will observe this meaningful holiday.

Ahead, we will explore the origins and practices of Michhami Dukkadam as Jains prepare for the 2024 holiday, Samvatsari. From the significance of the date to the rituals performed, you’ll get an inside look at this Day of Forgiveness and what it means for Jains to sort differences within their community.

What is Micchami Dukkadam?

Micchami Dukkadam is a Jain festival of forgiveness, falling annually on the last day of the eight-day festival of Paryushana in Jainism. The phrase Micchami Dukkadam means – “May all the evil that has been done be fruitless”. Moreover, some spiritual books have also simplified it as Micchami – “to forgive”, and Dukaddam – “mistakes” for better understanding.

On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from all living beings – friends, family, or community members for any mistakes they may have committed knowingly or unknowingly over the past year. It is focused on letting go of past hurts, restoring relationships, and moving forward in peace. 

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Origin Of the Word Micchami Dukkadam

Michhami Dukkadam is derived from the Prakrit language, a famous language in Jainism. Many spiritual texts of the Jains are written in the Prakrit language. Paryushan Parva is a great festival for the Jain people to purify their souls and keep away all negativities. Adding this word to this eight to ten-day festival makes the occasion more auspicious. To Forgive and forget is what Jainism promotes by adding this day to their festival. 

Samvatsari meaning clearly sounds like the word Michhami Dukkadam, and that is why this word has been selected from the ancient Indian Prakrit language.  Its Sanskrit equivalent, or Michhami Dukkadam in Hindi, is “Mithya me duskrtam”, meaning “ All evil becomes ineffective”. It is believed to have originated in the 6th century BC when the Jain teacher Mahavira taught his followers to avoid violence and to focus on spiritual purity.

Micchami Dukkadam Significance

Micchami Dukkadam is a day of atonement (asking for an apology), forgiveness (giving an apology), and spiritual renewal for Jains around the world. Let us see in what ways it is significant to the people:

• By seeking forgiveness and forgiving others, Jains aim to purify their souls and achieve inner peace and harmony with all beings.
• This is the best time for the Jain people to look back on their past mistakes and take an oath never to repeat them. This way, saying Michami Dukkadam meaning makes all sense during Samvatsari.
• This day re-affirms the Jain principles of non-violence, non-attachment and non-possessiveness for the monks.
• On this day, Jains also fast, meditate and pray to make this day even more meaningful. They also explain the meaning of Michhami Dukkadam in Hindi and English to their non-Jain friends when they have to ask them for forgiveness.
• Moreover, Jains ask for forgiveness from all living beings, including humans, animals, insects, and even microscopic beings. 
• Jains believe that every living being has a soul, so we must ask for forgiveness from any beings we may have harmed in any way. This could be through actions, words, or even thoughts.
• The festival, thus, becomes a great day to promote goodwill, security, harmony, and letting go of negative feelings.

Micchami Dukkadam Rituals – Samvatsari

There are some steps that need to be carefully followed during Samvatsari – Micchami Dukkadam Rituals. Read them below.

1. Samyika: Avoid parties and celebrations and maintain silence as much as possible. Maintain a calm environment.

2. Chatur Vimsati and Vandana: Visit a Jain temple. Pay respect and pray to the Tirthankaras (the Jain Gurus). 

3. Samvatsari Pratikraman: Perform this step, which involves reciting specific prayers and verses asking forgiveness and blessings of five supreme beings in Jainism – Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay and Sadhu. These verses also include the mention of Michhami Dukkadam.

4. Kayotsarga: Meditate over a specific prayer of any Tirthankara.

5. Pratyakhyana: Make a promise to control your emotions, especially anger.

6. End the ritual with a meet and greet, saying “Michhami Dukkadam”. Also, explain Michhami Dukkadam meaning in English and Hindi, if possible.

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Role of Sutras in Micchami Dukkadam Festival

There are several sutras or verses recited in the name of five supreme individuals in Jainism during a ritual called Samvatsari Pratikaman in the Michhami Dukkadam festival. The Michami Dukkadam meaning makes more sense when people remember the teachings of their Tirthankaras through Sutras.

One of the most famous Sutras that unites the speech, body and mind is as follows:

Khaamemi Savve Jeeva

Savve Jeeva Khamantu Me

Metti Me Savve Bhuyesu Vairam Majham Na Kenai

Michhami Dukkadam

Meaning: 

I grant forgiveness to all living beings

May all living beings grant me forgiveness

My friendship is with all living beings

My enemy is totally non-existent

My bad deeds be fruitless

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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