Premier David Eby has issued the following statement recognizing Mahavir Jayanti, also known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak:

“Today, people in B.C. and around the world are celebrating a most auspicious day – Mahavir Jayanti, the birthday of Lord Mahavir, who is revered by Jains as the 24th and final Tīrthaṅkara, or supreme teacher and saviour, of the present age. His teachings form the core tenets of Jainism.

“Mahavir Jayanti is a day for Jains to gather together in prayer and celebration, to raise money for charitable causes and to reaffirm and recommit themselves to their spiritual practice.

“Although more than 2,600 years have passed since Lord Mahavir’s birth, his teachings deal with many of the same challenges we face today.

“Whether it’s the idea of ‘live and let live’ or the understanding that truth and reality is complex and can be seen in many different ways and from different viewpoints, Lord Mahavir’s teachings continue to provide important insights about how we can get along together and live in a strong, pluralistic society.

“To all those celebrating, Happy Mahavir Jayanti!”