Mahavir Jayanti is the birth anniversary of 24th and last Jain Tirthankar Lord Mahavira.
As per the Gregorian calendar, the day occurs either in March or April. This year it was celebrated by Jains on 17 April 2019.
It is one of the most important religious festivals for Jains.
Mahavira taught that observance of the five vows of ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non-attachment) is necessary for spiritual liberation.
His teachings were compiled by Indrabhuti Gautama (his chief disciple).