The Jain community is preparing to host the Chadar Mahotsav, a three-day spiritual celebration, at the historic Sonar Fort in Jaisalmer from March 6 to 8.

According to Jain tradition, an early and revered spiritual leader, Gurudev Jinadatta Suri Ji Maharaj, attained Nirvana in Ajmer. During his last rites, the clothes placed around his body did not completely burn. These garments became sacred and were carefully preserved for nearly nine centuries. This Mahotsav is believed to be the first time the sacred Chadar will be displayed for public viewing.

Raju Jain, Jain Trust, Jaisalmer, “One hundred and fifty years ago, when an epidemic spread in Jaisalmer, the Maharaj of the city had this Chadar brought from Ajmer. Holy water was sprinkled from it, which is believed to have brought the epidemic to an end. Since then, this Chadar has been preserved in the Gyan Bhandar in Jaisalmer, and its display is scheduled for the 6th of March.”

The festival will include religious gatherings and spiritual discourses, with thousands of devotees expected to attend.

Sadhvi Shri Arhmanidhi, “Hundreds of sadhus and sadhvis, will travel on foot from distances of up to 500-700 kilometres, and even 1,000 kilometres for the Chadar Mahotsav – as this Chadar holds immense significance. Whether we get the chance to touch it or not, we will at least have the opportunity to see it.”

Hundreds of Jain gurus are expected to attend the Mahotsav, which organisers say has also been extended invitations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and chief ministers from various states.