Kshamavani(Sanskrit: क्षमावाणी) or "Forgiveness Day" is a day of forgiving and seeking forgiveness for the followers of Jainism. It is celebrated on the Samvatsari, the last day of the annual Paryusana festival, which coincides with the Chaturthi, 4th day of Shukla Paksha, in the holy month of Bhadrapad.^[1] "Micchami Dukkadam" is the common phrase when asking for forgiveness. It is a Prakrit phrase meaning, May all the evil that has been done be fruitless. ^[2]

On this sacred day, every member of the Jain community approaches everyone, irrespective of religion, and begs for forgiveness for all their faults or mistakes, committed either knowingly or unknowingly. Thus relieved of the heavy burden hanging over their head of the sins of yesteryears, they start life afresh, living in peaceful co-existence with others. Indeed, this day is not merely a traditional ritual, but a first step on their path to liberation or salvation, the final goal of every man's life, according to the teachings of Jainism. ^[3]