Jain festival Swarnim Sanyam Mahotsav in city from June 28

The year long celebration of the 50th year of 'Diksha' of renowned Digambar Jain saint Guru Acharyashri Vidyasagarji Maharaj will be celebrated throughout the world as 'Swarnim Diksha Mahotsav' from June 28 and the city is geared up to join the celebration with much fanfare.
In Kolkata, the celebration will begin with a Shobha Yatra from Digambar Jain Bada Mandir on June 28 followed by Mahapuja and various events and will continue till July 2.
Swarnim Diksha Mahaotsav Samity officials said that throughout the event, various social, cultural and religious workshops would be organised.
Many programmes are lined up like plating trees, distribution of essential commodities to hospitals, old age homes, orphanages, distribution of food and clothes to the poor and needy people beside religious discourses, the organisers said.

Advisor to the Mahotsav committee Vinod Kr Jain said that the celebration would focus on Jain principles of non-violence (Ahimsa) and would spread the ideals of the Acharyashri.
Acharyashri's disciple K C Jain said that the saint, after Diksha, continued with his own salvation and religious duties besides working for the welfare of mankind.

In the last 49 years, he walked barefoot thousands of kilometres through several states and been spreading messages of spirituality, he said.
"People irrespective of their caste and religious followings have left non-vegetarian food, alcohol and tobacco after listening to his discourses," Jain said.
Another member NP Jain said this Mahotsav would have a positive impact on humanity at a time when the world is passing through problems like terrorism and corruption.