President Mukherjee, PM Modi extend greetings on Mahavir Jayanti

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday extended his greeting to the nation on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti and called on the citizens to resolve to spread Bhagwan Mahavira's teachings of ahimsa, compassion, love and expressed hope that this festival may inspire all to adopt non-violence in thought and life.

Echoing similar sentiments, Vice President Hamid Ansari said that through his teachings of non-violence and compassion, Bhagwan Mahavir showed an enlightened path for happiness and progress of humanity.

"On this auspicious occasion, let us commit ourselves for building a peaceful, harmonious and just society," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wished the nation calling on everyone to recall the pure thoughts and ideals of Lord Mahavir and reaffirm the commitment towards a harmonious and peaceful society.

Mahavir Jayanti, also known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, is the most important religious holiday for Jains as it celebrates the birth of Mahavira, twenty-fourth and the last Tirthankara (Teaching God) of the present time cycle.

Ahimsa rallies preaching the Mahavira's message of Ahi?sa are taken out on this day.