Hyderabad: Thousands of Jain devotees thronged temples on Thursday to celebrate the 2,624th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir. Floral-decked shrines hosted the traditional Shakrastav Abhishek ritual before worshippers set out in colourful processions that converged on the Exhibition Grounds, Nampally.The largest turnouts were reported in Begum Bazaar, Karwan, Feelkhana, Pan Bazaar, Sultan Bazaar and the Old City, where devotees marched with Jain flags, chanting hymns in praise of Lord Mahavir. A 500-strong bike rally — led by youth and women wearing vibrant bandhani turbans — began at Diamond Point, Bowenpally, and made its way through Clock Tower, Patny, Tank Bund, Liberty, Basheerbagh and Moazzamjahi Market before reaching the main venue.Organisers from Sri Jain Seva Sangh estimated more than 20,000 participants at the Exhibition Grounds, which echoed with devotional bhajans. Jain monks including Acharya Vijay Abhaysan Suresh Ji, Sri Siddharth Muni Ji and Sri Sulochana Ji delivered sermons on Mahavir’s teachings of ahimsa and truth. Ministers and local legislators attended, extending greetings to the community.“The scale of today’s gathering reflects the unity of our community and our commitment to Mahavir’s message of peace,” said Yogesh Jain, president of Sri Jain Seva Sangh.
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