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Shikharji — host of Mahavir Jayanti

Festival · JHARKHAND

Mahavir Jayanti.

March 31, 2026 (lunar calendar, Chaitra Shukla 13) · Shikharji

Birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara. At Shikharji, devotees participate in processions, scripture recitations, and charitable meals. Pilgrimage to Shikharji is particularly significant during this festival.

Why it mattersMost important festival for Jain community; commemorates the spiritual teachings and liberation of Lord Mahavir.

Going for this? Shikharji in March

NakshIQ score
8.0/10
Go

March brings wildflowers to Shikharji's forest trail and the first hint of warmth that makes the 27km feel longer than it did in winter. Start early.

See the Shikharji March guide →

Getting there

Elevation
1365 m
Nearest airport
Ranchi (180km)
Nearest railway
Parasnath (15km)

Live in Shikharji

Where to eat

  • Shri Rajendra Shanti Vihar Bhojanshala

    Madhuban · ₹

    Signaturesatvik Jain thali

    Breakfast (Navkarshi to 9:30 am) is the easiest window for solo trekkers heading up; dinner closes at sunset, so a 6 pm arrival back at Madhuban is the practical cutoff in winter.

  • Trek Tea Halts, Parasnath Hill

    Parasnath Trek Route · ₹

    SignatureHot tea with biscuits

    Only fruit, biscuits, hot water and tea allowed under pilgrimage rules - no cooked meals. Cash only. The middle stop near Gandharva Nala is the most reliably open in winter.

  • Madhuban More Open Restaurant

    Madhuban More · ₹₹

    SignatureVegetarian thali

    Pure-veg only by local convention; non-veg has to come from Giridih, 25 km out. Reliable from 7am to 9pm. Tap water - carry sealed bottled water during yatra season.

  • Madhuban Bhojnalayas (Digambar Bees Panthi Kothi)

    Madhuban Village · ₹

    SignatureSatvik thali (dal, rice, roti, sabzi, khichdi)

    Free or token-fee for registered yatris staying in the kothi; outside guests pay a modest charge. Lunch slot 11:30-13:00, dinner 19:00-20:30. No food carried out; eat on the premises. Footwear, leather and tobacco strictly disallowed.

All eateries in Shikharji →

What else to see in Shikharji

  • Parasnath Hill Temples

    Supreme Jain pilgrimage site with 24 temples on Parasnath Hill. Highest peak in Jharkhand at 4,480 ft.

    temple
    6-8 hours

  • Jal Mandir (Water Temple)

    Small shrine halfway through the parikrama dedicated to water. Pilgrims believe drinking water here grants blessings. Natural spring feeds the temple.

    temple
    15 minutes

Other festivals in Shikharji

Other festivals in March, elsewhere

See every festival in March →

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