‘My City, My Responsibility’ strikes an emotional chord;

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The grand procession taken out on Tuesday on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti was not just a religious celebration but also a deeply moving experience for citizens. Along with the philosophy of “Live and let live,” the message of “My City, My Responsibility” conveyed through various tableaux touched the hearts of people.

Notably, thousands of participants not only joined the procession with enthusiasm but also came together to take a collective pledge to support the municipal corporation and make the city number one in cleanliness in the country. The moment was filled with emotion, reflecting a beautiful blend of faith and responsibility.

Organised under the Sakal Jain community on the occasion of Lord Mahavir’s birth anniversary, the procession showcased devotion, faith, creativity and self-discipline in its true essence. In the beginning, a large number of community members gathered with their vehicles at Mahavir Chowk, where the spirit and enthusiasm of the youth were clearly visible. At 7 am, the religious flag was hoisted by Sakal Jain community president Rajendra Darda. This was followed by flag hoisting at Uttamchand Thole Digambar Jain Hostel in Osmanpura and at Guru Ganesh Nagar. Among those present were Dilip Gheware, national president of the Akhil Bharatiya Saitwal Jain Samaj; Pratik Sahuji, festival committee president; Subhash Zhambad, working president of Sakal Jain Samaj; Mahavir Patni, general secretary; D. D. Waykos, joint secretary; G. M. Bothra, treasurer; Vilas Sahuji, co-treasurer, along with other office-bearers.

The main procession began from Paithan Gate with Jain monks and sadhvis reciting sacred hymns in unison. Many dignitaries and public representatives attended and appreciated the unity and discipline of the Jain community. Dignitaries present included justice Kailashchand Chandiwal, justice Pukhraj Bora, guardian minister Sanjay Shirsat, minister Atul Save, mayor Sameer Rajurkar, deputy mayor Rajendra Janjal, standing committee chairman (CSMC) Anil Makariye, former MP Chandrakant Khaire, former mayor Nandkumar Ghodele, corporators Harshada Shirsat, Kirti Shinde, Dilip Thorat, Rishikesh Jaiswal along with Prashant Desarda, Vikas Jain, Ankita Vidhate, BJP district president Kishor Shitole, Jagannath Kale, Marwadi Mahasabha president Dr Purushottam Darakh. All public representatives appreciated the unity and discipline of the Jain community.

The procession passed through Tilak Path, Gulmandi, Machhli Khadak, City Chowk, Sarafa Road and Shahganj, before concluding at Raja Bazaar Digambar Jain Temple.

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Mahamangalik by monks

A religious platform was set up at Paithan Gate where Acharya Pushpadantsagarji Gurudev, Munishri Prabhavsagarji Maharaj, Parasmuniji (along with his group), Mahasati Dr Punyashilaji, Kirtishilaji and others collectively performed the mahamangalik recitation. They extended greetings on the occasion of Lord Mahavir’s birth anniversary and expressed joy over the unity of the Jain community.

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Sanitation volunteers clear waste along procession route

Food and beverage stalls were set up along the procession route, leading to waste generation. However, sanitation volunteers walking behind the procession promptly collected and cleared the litter. A cleanliness drive was carried out by Vardhaman Nagari Sahakari Patsanstha, with municipal corporation staff also actively participating. Demonstrations were conducted to show how to segregate wet and dry waste and properly dispose of it in collection vehicles.

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Devotees bow before palkhis from across the city

On the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, devotees were seen bowing in reverence before the chariots and palkhis that arrived from various Jain temples across the city. Ajit Chandaliya accompanied the chariot from Shankheshwar Jain Temple, Cidco N-3. The palkhi of Vimalnath Jain Temple was carried by Nikhil Sanklecha and Sagar Sahuji. Vijay Chandiwal and Sanjay Dagda carried the palkhi from Raja Bazaar Jain Temple, while Aditya Sahuji and Sagar Sahuji carried the palkhi from Agrawal Jain Temple, Sarafa. The palkhi from Chandraprabhu Jain Temple, Bhaji Bazaar was carried by Vijay Sugandhi, Vijay Ghodke and Amol Sugandhi.

At every stop, the palkhis were paused, allowing devotees to offer prayers and seek blessings.

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Chariots draw attention

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: At the beginning of the procession, the Navkar Foundation displayed the significance of the Namokar Mantra through posters mounted on five white cars.

The Kalikund Parshwanath Saitwal Digambar Jain Temple from Cidco presented five chariots based on the Janma Kalyanak (birth celebration) theme. Additionally, the festival committee introduced seven more chariots on the same theme, adding grandeur to the procession.

The procession marking Mahavir Jayanti featured over 15 live and static tableaux, highlighting themes from a clean city to non-violence as a solution to global conflicts.

Women carried placards promoting “My City, My Responsibility,” along with messages on cleanliness and water conservation, while a ‘Tree Ambulance’ drew attention. Jain Engineering Society and Jain Engineering Society NX spread awareness, and Look & Learn emphasised value-based upbringing.

Ulkanagari Mahila Mandal promoted environmental conservation, while Acharya Shantisagar Pathshala highlighted biogas use. Acharya Aryanandi Pathshala focused on waste management and traffic discipline, and Chintamani Parshvanath Pathshala depicted the dangers of human destructiveness. Sumatisagar Pathshala also raised key social issues.

Bhagwan Mallinath Digambar Jain Temple showcased cleanliness, while Kunthunath Khandelwal Digambar Jinalaya highlighted spiritual education. Acharyashri Vidyasagar Pathshala, Adinath Digambar Jain Temple (Tap Kalyanak), and Jaybhavani Nagar youth presented impactful tableaux on civic responsibility.