Mahavir Jayanti is a special occasion for the Jain community. Also known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, is the most important religious holiday for Jains. It celebrates the birth of Mahavira, twenty fourth and the last Tirthankara (Teaching God) of the present time cycle. This holiday is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar and is either celebrated in March or in April.
On this festive occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, the Jains cook traditional Jain recipes. Jain Vegetarianism is very different. Jains believe in non violence and hence do not eat root vegetables as they may cause harm to life forms living in the earth. Jains do not eat onion, garlic and root vegetables like potatoes, brinjals, ginger and similar food items. They usually eat food originating from plant and dairy products. Honey is prohibited as it is considered that collection of honey is violence against bees. Leftover food is also not consumed by Jains. The Jain food is considered to be Sattvic, which means it is on the qualities of goodness, lightness and happiness that triggers a sense of calm in the body.
Gujarati and Rajastani vegetarian cuisine is widely influenced by Jainism. We have combined a list of recipes which you can cook during this occasion and make the festival even more flavourful. All these recipes are no onion no garlic recipes and you can avoid ginger from the below given recipes.
1.Appetizers Or Evening Snacks
2. Dal, Kadhi & Sabzis
3.Rice & Roti
4.Chutneys and Pickles
5.Desserts