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Mahavir Janm Kalyanak is one of the most significant religious festivals for Jains worldwide. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th tirthankara.
Jainism, also known as Jain Dharma, is an Indian religion which traces its spiritual ideas and history through the succession of 24 tirthankaras (supreme preachers of Dharma).
On the auspicious occasion (April 27), the Singapore Jain Religious Society (SJRS) held an event titled SJRS Got Talent at the PGP Hall, which was attended by more than 600 guests, including Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah, Singapore Indian Development Association CEO Anbarasu Rajendran and Revered Saint Saman Shrutapragyaji, founder of the Peace of Mind Foundation and a spiritual mentor.
In her speech, Ms Indranee, the guest of honour, noted: “The first Jains arrived in Singapore around 1910. Then there were only a handful, and now your community has grown to over 2,000. I am indeed honoured to attend this celebration.”
Following the Jain principles of eating within sunrise and sunset, the event started with a Jain dinner following a Talent Show.
The celebrations started with the sthapna (commemoration) of Bhagwan Mahavir. SJRS members led the procession with diyas (lamps), ghadas (earthen pots traditionally carried on the head) and dandiyas (sticks used in traditional Gujarati dance).
The rest of the programme included dances, song and a skit.
One highlight was the melodious rendition of Jain bhajans (songs) in a qawali (sufi music) form by the SJRS’ women’s wing.
Another was a dance titled “Ratnakar Panchisi” where the performers told the story of a king who was deeply attached to a bag of gems. Upon realising his folly, the king repented and crafted 25 stutis (songs) that the performers showcased through a Kathak dance.
The SJRS also launched its very own band, Goonj, whose members play the cajon, flute, keyboard, guitar and violin.
“It is heartwarming to see the talents we have in our Jain community”, said SJRS president Kenal Kothari.
“I wish to thank all our well-wishers for their greetings and particularly from the Vatican (the Catholic church) whose message started with ‘may this feast bring abundant blessings, happiness, peace and unity to your families and communities’.”
“The first Jains arrived in Singapore around 1910. Then there were only a handful, and now your community has grown to over 2,000. I am indeed honoured to attend this celebration.”
