Continuing the newly begun tradition of actively celebrating festivals of all religions publicly at its headquarters, the Congress on Thursday observed 'Kshama Vani', which marks the culmination of Jain community’s Paryushan Parva.
The programme was held at the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) office. Jain community leaders were invited and there were discourses on the occasion. Kshama Vani is observed on the last day of Paryushan Parva.
On this day, Jain community adherents seek forgiveness from others for knowingly or unknowingly hurting them. The Congress had recently begun the practice with Ganeshotsava recently, when for the first time the idol of Lord Ganesha, was installed at the Congress office.
The Congress leaders had privately said that the aim was to give a message that Congress was an inclusive party which celebrated festivals of majority community as well as the minorities.
Jain leaders addressed the gathering, and gave the message to participants about Paryushan and Kshama Vani.
PCC president Arun Yadav said that Congress believes in communal harmony and respect for all faiths. "The Kshama Vani was organised because it is part of our tradition," he said.
Veteran Congress leader Ashok Jain Bhabha and party workers were present on the occasion. After the Antony committee report which suggested that one of the reasons of the party’s defeat was that some sections saw the party as closer to certain minorities.
PCC president Arun Yadav said that Congress believes in communal harmony and respect for all faiths. "The Kshama Vani was organised because it is part of our tradition," he said.
Veteran Congress leader Ashok Jain Bhabha and party workers were present on the occasion. After the Antony committee report which suggested that one of the reasons of the party’s defeat was that some sections saw the party as closer to certain minorities.
Subsequently, it was decided in MP that all major Hindu festivals along with celebrations of other faiths would also be held in PCC.