It is at this time, that Jains embark on their respective annual pratikramana, a reflection on their spiritual journey for the past year. On this day they also observe a unique custom, where they ask every individual they may have offended during the year for forgiveness. Old differences are forgotten and friendships and relationships renewed, as they fold their hands and ask for ‘Micchami dukadam’ or forgiveness.

The following is the prayer we say while doing Pratikraman: ‘Khamemi savva jive, savve jiva khamantu me, mitti me savve bhuyesu, veram majaham n kenai.’ It means: ‘I forgive all living beings, and I beg for the forgiveness from all living beings. I have friendship with everybody and I have no animosity toward anybody.’ “
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