JAISALMER: The country’s first Chadar Mahotsav of the Jain community will be organised from 6 to 8 March 2026 in Rajasthan’s tourist city of Jaisalmer. During the festival, worship and prayers will be offered to the 872-year-old garments of Dada Shri Jindatt Suri Maharaj, which are kept in the library of Jaisalmer’s Jain temple.RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to attend on 6 March. On 7 March, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister for Art, Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal are expected to participate. On 8 March, Punjab Governor Gulab Chandra Kataria is set to join the programme.Organisers said several prominent personalities, ministers from various states, more than 150 saints from the Jain community across the country, and over 30,000 devotees are expected to attend. Jaisalmer Jain Trust President Mahendsingh Bhansali said that in VS 1211, after the first Dada Gurudev’s departure to heaven in Ajmer, the garments remained intact during the cremation. The garments did not burn while the body dissolved in the fire.Bhansali added that about 145 years ago, in VS 1945, many lives were lost due to an epidemic. The then Maharawal sent a letter requesting the garments kept in Patan (Gujarat) to be brought to Jaisalmer. Since then, they have been preserved in Jaisalmer’s Gyan Bhandar.Bhansali said that from Phalgun Sudi Teej to Panchami (6 to 8 March 2026), several programmes will be held for the worship and prayers of the garments. Under the guidance of Khartargachchhadhipati Acharya Jin Maniprabh Surishwar Maharaj, the Dada Shri Jindatt Suri Chadar Mahotsav Committee was formed. The programme is expected to see the presence of Khartargachchhadhipati Acharya Jin Maniprabh Surishwar Maharaj, Jin Manoj Surishwar Maharaj, and Punanand Surishwar Maharaj. Preparations are underway, with organisers expecting Mohan Bhagwat as chief guest, along with other distinguished guests. Amit Shah and Bhajan Lal are also likely to visit Jaisalmer on 7 March.According to Bhansali, the three-day programme will begin with the auspicious entry of Guru Bhagwants, the inauguration of nagaris, a religious assembly, and an evening aarti. On the second day, a grand Varghoda will be organised, during which Dada Jindatt Suri Maharaj’s 872-year-old Chadar Cholpatta Muhpatti will be taken around the city for darshan. The Varghoda is expected to include elephants, horses, palanquins, tableaux, hundreds of Guru Bhagwants, and thousands of devotees. A drama based on Dada Gurudev’s life story is also planned.On the third day, Acharya and Ganini positions will be conferred, and consecrated materials will be distributed. Organisers said a Mumukshu’s diksha will also be held before the festival. Online registration for participation and accommodation has already started.
