JAINA expresses heartfelt condolences over the recent tragic loss of innocent lives in Kashmir, India. Our prayers are with the grieving families, and we wish a swift recovery to the injured.

On May 4th, the Embassy of India in Washington, DC, held a candlelight vigil at India House to honor the victims. The event was graced by Honorable Ambassador Vinay Kwatra and Elizabeth Horst from the U.S. Department of State, along with over 800 members of the Indian-American community. JAINA supported the event, arranging chartered buses from New Jersey and New York. Savita Jain, JAINA’s Director of Public Relations, served as the Emcee. 

This tragedy reminds us of the urgent need for compassion and non-violence — the essence of Jain Dharma. Guided by the values of Ahimsa (non-violence), Karuna (compassion), and Shanti (peace), JAINA calls on all people of conscience to reaffirm their commitment to peace and humanity. 

Let us unite in prayer and purpose — remembering the departed by living the values that bring peace and healing to our world. 

We are excited to share opportunities for you to support five important initiatives at the 2025 JAINA Convention:



1. Jivadaya (Animal Welfare) – Help promote compassion for all living beings through animal welfare efforts.
2. Academic Education Scholarship – Support scholarships for deserving students from Jain Center families to continue their education.
3. Sadharmik Bhakti – Assist fellow Sadharmik families in need of help and support.
4. Karuna – Contribute to funding 250 eye surgeries to restore vision and improve lives and supporting our community by feeding 1,000 homeless individuals
5. Planting a Tree -  Per request made by Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji during JAINA leader meeting at Delhi, We will support planting trees activity at Palitana.

If you would like to sponsor any of these initiative, please click on following donation button.

The Jain Digest committee is pleased to announce publication of Feb-2025 edition which can be accessed by clicking here.

1. Abhay Prabhavana - A Museum of Timeless Values Inspired by Jainism by Manish Mehta
2. Nutritional Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet by Rajkumar Jain 

The Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington (JSMW) is delighted to invite the global Jain community to its Param Pratishtha Mahotsav—a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual celebration marking the consecration of its new temple in Beltsville, Maryland. 

Key Event Dates 

• Friday, May 23 – Utthapan & Rath Yatra 
• Saturday, May 24 – Gruh Pravesh 
• Saturday, May 31 – Shwetambar Pratishtha 
• Sunday, June 1 – Sthanak Inauguration & Digambar Pratishtha 

New Temple Location - 4241 Ammendale Rd, Beltsville, MD 20705 

Register Today - www.jsmw.org/pratishtha_rsvp 

Helpful Links:

• Hotel Information
• Full Event Schedule (PDF)
• Event Website

Join us in celebrating this historic milestone and be part of an unforgettable spiritual journey. All are welcome. 

The Jain Center of Minnesota (JCM) recently hosted its annual Ahimsa Mela, attracting over 400 attendees from Minnesota’s Jain and wider communities. The event celebrated the core Jain value of Ahimsa (non-violence) through a vibrant mix of cultural, educational, and family-friendly activities. 

Guests enjoyed games, face painting, henna, and a Jain-themed Kahoot quiz organized by the JCM Youth Committee. Informative booths showcased Jain philosophy, and the JCM Bookstall featured spiritual and educational materials. 

A major draw was the vegan Jain food court, offering favorites like chaat, kadhi kachori, dhokla, jalebi, pav bhaji, pani puri, and cupcakes.

Proceeds from this event will support an NGO dedicated to Jeev Daya (animal welfare), reaffirming JCM’s commitment to compassion and service. 

For Mahavir Jayanti, Columbus Pathshala kids and teachers put together an exhibit to educate and inspire patrons for Mahavir Bhagwan's life. It was a wonderful program bringing all together during auspicious pooja held that day. 

Tulsa Jain Sangh celebrated Mahavir Janma Kalyanak with heartfelt devotion and community participation. The event began with a Santra Puja and Ashta Prakari Puja, followed by Mangal Divo and the main Aarti, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.

The program concluded with a community lunch generously sponsored by Bhartiben (Vice President) and Dr. Hareshbhai Ajmera. 

It was a meaningful and successful gathering for the small but vibrant Tulsa Jain community. The Sangh extends heartfelt thanks to all supporters and volunteers who made the event possible. 

On Easter Sunday, April 20th, the Jain Society of Southern Louisiana (JSSL) hosted a spiritually uplifting celebration of Mahavir Janma Kalyanak at the Hindu Temple of Greater New Orleans, also marking the community’s first completion of Ayambil Oli. 

Despite being a small community of around 35 Jain families, a devoted group of 20 families gathers monthly and collaborates with over 100 Hindu families for major celebrations. Four members observed Ayambil Oli, with one member graciously opening their home to host over 15 participants on Chaudas, exemplifying unity and devotion. 

Following the tap and parna, a grand celebration at the temple included a Bhavana, vibrant Varghodo procession, and a beautifully adorned Palkhi of Mahavir Swami.

JSSL President Santosh Shah and Dr. Kiran Zaveri shared insights on Jain philosophy and the ancient roots of Adinath Bhagwan, emphasizing the significance of the Navkar Mantra. The evening concluded with Aarti and a traditional Jain dinner, reflecting the strength and spirit of this vibrant, close-knit community. 

The Jain Society of San Diego hosted its flagship event on Sunday, April 27, 2025, drawing over 500 attendees in a celebration of Mahavir Bhagwan’s teachings through community service and performance arts. 

Members of all ages—from three to eighty—actively participated, bringing Jain values to life through creative dances, skits, and seamless event coordination. The event was a beautiful display of unity, devotion, and intergenerational engagement, reinforcing the timeless relevance of Ahimsa and compassion in today’s world. 

Over 130 students of Purusharth School, Bhanvad—many from non-Jain backgrounds including Ahir, Patel, Brahmin, Muslim, and Bharwad communities—observed Ayambil Oli, embracing Bhagwan Mahavir’s message of infinite compassion. 

Each day, around 140 students participated in this sacred 9-day fasting practice.