Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Teerth Kshetra Committee Marks 125 Years; Mathura Gears Up for Two-Day National Celebration

Grand commemorative event scheduled for October 21–22, 2026, at Shri Rishabh Brahmacharya Ashram; focus on pilgrimage-site conservation, Jain heritage, archaeology and the preservation of Shraman culture

(SDNA) Mathura, Uttar Pradesh: Preparations are in their final stages for the grand launch of the 125th Foundation Year Celebration of the Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Teerth Kshetra Committee, an organisation dedicated to the preservation and development of Jain pilgrimage sites and religious heritage over the past 125 years.

The two-day national celebration will take place on October 21 and 22, 2026, at the Inter College Ground within the Shri Rishabh Brahmacharya Ashram परिसर in Mathura. The event will be held under the guidance and spiritual presence of Pujya Acharya Shri Saubhagya Sagar Ji Maharaj and Pujya Shri Suratna Sagar Ji Maharaj, along with their respective sanghs.

The commemorative programme is expected to bring together Jain monks, scholars, community leaders, representatives of pilgrimage sites and social workers from different parts of the country. Beyond celebrating the organisation’s long-standing journey, the event aims to renew the collective commitment to safeguarding Jain religious traditions and historical monuments.

Senior Office-Bearers Review Preparations at the Venue

To ensure the smooth conduct of the celebrations, senior office-bearers inspected the venue on October 14 and 15. The inspection team included Jawaharlal Jain, Chairman of the 125th Foundation Year Committee; D.K. Jain, President of the Central Zone of the Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Teerth Kshetra Committee; General Secretary Rajkumar Jain Ghate; Meenu Jain; Jainesh Jhajhari; Rajiv Jain; Sanjeev Jain; and Pandit Jinendra Shastri, along with other office-bearers.

During the visit, discussions were held with representatives of the agencies involved in organising the event. Key issues relating to infrastructure, logistical arrangements, essential resources and the coordination of various programmes were reviewed.

The organisers emphasised the timely completion of all preparations to ensure that the national gathering proceeds smoothly.

More Than 250 Representatives Expected from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

According to Rajesh Jain Ragi, publicity chief and spokesperson of the committee’s Central Zone, more than 250 office-bearers, representatives of Jain pilgrimage sites and members from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are expected to participate.

Their participation will be coordinated under the leadership and guidance of D.K. Jain, President of the Central Zone; Santosh Kumar Jain Ghadi, Working President; and Rajkumar Jain Ghate, General Secretary.

The gathering is also expected to provide a platform for discussions on pilgrimage-site management, religious activities, heritage conservation and future initiatives for the Jain community.

A 125-Year Journey of Religious Service to Take Centre Stage

The national celebration is being organised with the involvement of senior representatives, including Jambup Prasad Jain, National President of the committee; Santosh Jain Pendhari, General Secretary; Jawaharlal Jain and Pradeep Jain PNC, associated with the Foundation Year Committee; and chief convenors Hasmukh Jain Gandhi and Manoj Jain Vakliwal, along with Central Zone office-bearers.

The leadership has appealed to members of the Jain community to participate in the historic occasion.

According to the organisers, the committee’s 125-year journey reflects sustained efforts towards the protection, development and promotion of Jain pilgrimage centres and their religious and cultural legacy.

The anniversary celebration will also highlight the enduring relevance of Jain principles, including Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantavada (the philosophy of multiple perspectives), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) and universal brotherhood.

Jain Heritage and Archaeological Conservation in Focus

Mathura and the wider Braj region hold an important place in India’s ancient religious and cultural landscape. Against this backdrop, the organisers intend to use the anniversary celebration not merely as a ceremonial milestone but also as an opportunity to draw attention to the protection of Jain heritage and historically significant sites.

Among the key highlights will be a presentation tracing the committee’s 125-year history, the release of a special commemorative edition of the Teerth Vandana magazine, and the installation of a specially prepared Kaalpatra documenting the organisation’s historical journey in chronological order.

Another important issue on the agenda is a proposed special dialogue with the government regarding the restoration of the Jain Museum in Mathura and the conservation of archaeological remains at Kankali Tila, a site of considerable historical importance.

The programme will also include discussions on a proposal to connect the Kalyanak Bhoomis—sacred sites associated with significant events in the lives of the Tirthankaras—in Uttar Pradesh. The organisers have stated that 18 of the 24 Tirthankaras’ Kalyanak Bhoomis located in the state are proposed to be linked through this initiative.

A proposal seeking government grants for the preservation of Shraman culture will also be taken up for discussion.

From a Historic Milestone to a Roadmap for the Future

The 125th Foundation Year Celebration represents an opportunity for the Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Teerth Kshetra Committee to reflect on its institutional legacy while setting priorities for the future.

The participation of spiritual leaders, scholars, heritage advocates and community representatives is expected to strengthen dialogue around the preservation of religious sites, protection of archaeological treasures and transmission of Jain cultural values to future generations.

As Mathura prepares to host this national gathering, the celebration is expected to place renewed emphasis on the responsibility of institutions and communities to protect the tangible and intangible heritage of Jainism.

For the organisers, the central message of the occasion extends beyond commemorating 125 years: it is about carrying forward a legacy of faith, service, cultural preservation and collective responsibility.

(SDNA) — National and International Digital News Network