Article: Ahimsa Day

Ahimsa Day 2009
Image by Ravin Mehta © Ravin Mehta

The annual Ahimsa Day spreads messages about the principles and history of Jain faith and the public visibility of the Jain community in the UK in several ways.

Firstly, its name emphasises the cardinal value for which Jainism is known all over the world – non-violence or ahiṃsā.

Secondly, it is not celebrated in a religious place but usually takes place in the House of Commons in London. The event involves Members of Parliament with large Jain communities in their constituencies. This underlines the recognition of Jainism as a faith by the British political establishment and the desire of the Jain community to reach non-Jains.

In its previous celebrations Ahimsa Day sometimes displayed a religious aspect, with Jain samaṇīs reciting the Panca-namaskāra-mantra. But this is not a routine element of the day, which is not a religious festival as such. It does not involve any ritual and is more like a meeting. During this non-sectarian event, which generally lasts for a few hours, invited speakers deliver speeches. They are generally social activists, people working in the field of education and Members of Parliament.

The speakers usually cover the concept of non-violence in general or discuss their own activities, showing how they are relevant to the development of non-violence. In 2010, for instance, an educationist showed how education and knowledge are crucial in increasing non-violence among individuals, since violence is often the result of envy and poverty.

Although the audience is mostly made up of British Jains who live in London, Members of Parliament often attend at least part of it. Reports occasionally appear in the Asian press.

Finally, Ahimsa Day takes place in October. As with traditional Jain festivals, its date is not fixed precisely. Traditionally, the dates of Indian festivals are determined by astrological considerations and the lunar calendar.

However, choosing October in which to hold this annual event has two main motivations. Ahimsa Day falls between the two most significant Jain festivals at this time of year – the Śvetāmbara festival of Paryuṣaṇ and Jain Dīvālī – and thus bridges the gap between them. Secondly, Ahimsa Day is celebrated near the 2nd October. This is the anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, who embodies the concept of non-violence in modern India, and is a national holiday in India. Holding Ahimsa Day close to this day stresses both the principle of non-violence that gives the event its title and the Indian origins of the Jain religion.

Dalai Lama receives his Ahimsa Award
Image by Institute of Jainology © Institute of Jainology

Each year the Ahimsa Award is given to someone who has spread knowledge of Jainism or promoted Jain principles such as non-violence.

Past recipients of the award are listed in this table.