Micchami Dukkadam

The Jains observe an 8-day festival that ends Bhadrapada Shukla Panchami. The last day is called Samvatsari, short for Samvatsari Pratikramana. Seven days are days of attainment and the eighth day ( Saturday, September 15,
2007) is one of fulfillment or achievement.

It is at this time that the Jains embark on a respective annual Pratikramana - a reflection on our spiritual journey for the past year. On this day we also observe a unique custom, where we ask every individual they may have offended during the year for forgiveness. Old quarrels are forgotten and friendships and relationships renewed, as we fold our hands and ask for "Micchami Dukkadam" or forgiveness. Michchhami means to be fruitless (forgiven) and Dukkadam (Dushkrut) means bad deeds. Therefore the meaning of Michchhami Dukkadam is my bad deeds (with you) be fruitless. So concept behind saying or writing someone "Michchhami Dukkadam" is that if I have done any harm to you then those bad deeds to be forgiven (be fruitless).

On the occasion of Paryushan Parva, we ask for forgiveness if we may have hurt your feelings by thoughts, words or actions,knowingly or unknowingly.

MICHCHHAMI DUKKADDAM

KHAMEMI SAVVE JIVA
We forgive all the living beings,

SAVVE JIVA KHAMANTU ME
We seek pardon from all the living beings,

MITTI ME SAVVA BHUTESU
We are friendly towards all the living beings,

VERAM MAJJHAM NA KENVI
And we seek enemity with none,

MICHHAMI DUKKADDAM!
And we ask for forgiveness from all!