The Jain community’s historic “Chadar Mahotsav” will be held in Jaisalmer from March 6 to March 8, marking a rare and significant religious occasion. After nearly 871 years, the sacred Chadar of Dada Gurudev, regarded as a powerful symbol of faith and devotion among the Jain community, will be ceremonially consecrated.
The three-day festival is expected to draw 20,000 to 30,000 devotees from across India and abroad. With the influx of visitors, almost all hotels and resorts in the city have already been fully booked.
Prominent dignitaries to attend
Several prominent personalities are expected to participate in the event. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat will inaugurate the festival on March 6, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to attend the event on March 7.
According to Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Chairman of the organising committee and a minister in the Maharashtra government, the event is not merely a religious gathering but a global campaign for spiritual awakening.
Grand arrangements at Dedansar grounds
A large tent city has been developed at the Dedansar Mela grounds, the main venue of the festival, where preparations have been underway for nearly a month.
Major arrangements include:
- Around 300 workers engaged in preparations
- A 1 lakh sq ft main dome with seating for about 12,000 devotees
- Five additional domes, each spread across 50,000 sq ft, to accommodate dining halls, exhibitions and other facilities
Possible world record on March 7
One of the biggest highlights of the festival will take place on March 7, when the “Dadaguru Ektisa Paath” will be recited simultaneously by devotees around the world. Organisers claim that 1.08 crore (10.8 million) people will participate, which could set a historic world record.
On the same day, a grand Chadar Varghoda (procession) will be taken out from the Jaisalmer Fort, after which the sacred Chadar will be brought to the festival venue for consecration and worship.
871-year-old sacred Chadar
The revered Chadar is associated with Jain Acharya Dada Gurudev Shri Jinadattsuri and has been preserved for centuries. According to belief, when an epidemic spread in Jaisalmer around 145 years ago, the crisis was averted through the blessings of this sacred Chadar.
Special attractions
The festival will also feature several special attractions, including:
- Release of special postage stamps and commemorative coins
- A 50,000 sq ft museum showcasing the life of Dada Gurudev, Jain history and rare sculptures
- Participation of monks and nuns from across the country, many of whom have reached Jaisalmer on foot
Notably, Acharya Shri Jinmaniprabhsurishwar reached Jaisalmer after walking nearly 2,500 kilometres.
Three-day programme schedule
March 6:
- Auspicious entry of Acharyas and inauguration by Mohan Bhagwat
- Release of special postage stamps and coins
March 7:
- Mass recitation of the Dadaguru Ektisa Paath by 1.08 crore devotees
- Grand Chadar procession from Jaisalmer Fort
- Chadar Abhishek and cultural programme
March 8:
- Conferment of the title of ‘Acharya’ on Upadhyaya Mahendrasagar Maharaj
- Distribution of Chadar, oak water and vaskshep among devotees
The event is expected to become one of the largest Jain religious gatherings in recent years, drawing global attention to Jaisalmer and its spiritual heritage.