Ever wanted to seek forgiveness from someone but felt awkward about it?
There’s an interesting way of seeking forgiveness in the Jain tradition. ‘Michhami Dukkadam’ is a phrase that Jains say on a particular day of the year seeking for forgiveness.
With origins in the ancient language of Prakrit, it translates to “may all the evil that has been done be fruitless” and is used to ask for forgiveness on this day. In other words, the phrase means “If I have offended you in any way, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word or deed, then I seek your forgiveness.”
The period of Paryushana falls in the Bhadrapada month (August or September) and lasts 8 days for Swetambara and 10 days for Digambara sect of Jains. The phrase ‘Micchami Dukkadam’ originates from the emphasis on forgiveness that is one of the key aspects of Jainism. Jains greet each other with this phrase on this day and forgo all quarrels and disputes.
Eminent personalities, including the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, tweeted about it.
Michhami Dukkadam! We pray that the values of forgiveness, brotherhood and compassion always prevail in our society.
Here is what I said about the special occasion of Samvatsari and tradition of Michhami Dukkadam, during #MannKiBaat in August last year. pic.twitter.com/qrq5qR4X8v
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2018
Samvatsari Greetings to all !#MichhamiDukkadam ?? pic.twitter.com/luenaK8aqE
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) September 14, 2018
Knowingly or unknowingly if ever I have caused anyone hurt in anyway, I sincerely apologise you from the bottom of my heart. #MichhamiDukkadam pic.twitter.com/7ApuiPb9HY
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 14, 2018
My experiences from life tell me that people with the seamless ability to seek forgiveness have their feet firmly planted on the ground. It’s a priceless quality to imbibe and healthy practice to nurture. #MichhamiDukkadam and Happy #GaneshChaturthi to everyone.
— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) September 13, 2018
To all the Jain’s who are performing Padushan Michhami Dukkadam ?
— Farah Khan (@FarahKhanAli) September 13, 2018
Michhami Dukkadam
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) September 14, 2018