Paryushana books for kids: what it is and how to celebrate
When is Paryushana? around Sunday 29 August 2027 to Sunday 5 September 2027. Dates marked “around” depend on the moon and local calendars.
Paryushana is the most important Jain festival: eight days (ten for Digambar Jains) of fasting, prayer and reflection. It ends with a day of forgiveness, when Jains ask everyone they may have hurt to forgive them by saying 'Micchami Dukkadam'.
Who celebrates Paryushana, and books for each
Jain
Jains fast or eat simply, visit temples, listen to the scriptures and, at the end, ask forgiveness of friends and family, in person or by message.
📖 Free guideJainism for Kids
Sulabh Jain, Aryan Jain and Arman Jain
Jain stories and values for children
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
Questions to ask while you read
Use these with any of the Paryushana books on this page. Pick two or three, and there are no wrong answers.
- What is the family in the story getting ready for?
- Which part of Paryushana would you most like to try, and why?
- How do the people in the story show they care about each other?
- Is anything in the story like something your family does?
- What would you like to ask a friend who celebrates Paryushana?
Ways to celebrate Paryushana with children
- Practise saying sorry and forgiving with a simple family circle.
- Write or draw 'sorry' and 'thank you' cards.
- Choose a simple, plain meal one day and talk about why.
- Spend a quiet five minutes thinking about the past year.
Paryushana picture books at a glance
All the Paryushana books on this page: Jainism for Kids (Sulabh Jain, Aryan Jain and Arman Jain).
Questions parents ask about Paryushana
What does Micchami Dukkadam mean?
Roughly, 'may all the wrong I have done be forgiven'. It's said at the end of Paryushana to everyone, whether you remember hurting them or not.
Related festivals: Mahavir Jayanti · Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
All festivals, by month and by faith →
Traditions vary between families, places and communities; ask your child's friends and their families how they celebrate. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.