Tradition: Jainism
Link: http://www2.hds.harvard.edu/spiritual/multifaith_about.html
Considered the holiest period of the year, these eight days are marked for Jains by fasting, meditation, prayer. and public readings of the life story of Lord Mahavira. Observed especially by the followers of the Shvetambara sect, Paryushana concludes on Samvatsari, the most solemn occasion of self-scrutiny and forgiveness. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from their relatives and friends for any offense they may have committed by deed, word, or thought.