JITO Media Gallery

The Jain Heritage Gaurav Yatra was a spiritually enriching celebration of Jain history, architecture and culture, held on the morning of August 3, 2025. Starting at 8:30 AM, the procession saw 450 devotees walk through 12 heritage Jain derasars in Ahmedabad’s old city, concluding at the City Heritage Centre, Diwanji ni Haveli, Sankdi Sheri. The event set a devotional tone ahead of Paryushan Parva.

All 12 derasars were beautifully adorned, with clear signage and volunteer guides. Led by Chairman Shri Rushabh Patel, the event introduced a well-received valet parking system for the congested old city streets. Auto rickshaws were also arranged for senior citizens and families. All attendees received a handy card of the 24 Tirthankaras Vandana Stuti for recitation at Derasars, along with a prabhavna and a muhpatti featuring patchwork in JITO brand colors. Devotees offered prayers in various forms, including reciting stotras, chanting mantras with the Navkarvali, making ghauli, and offering flowers, fruits, and money. Vandana was performed by applying saffron (kesar) and sandalwood (chandan) to the idols of the Tirthankaras. Many were left in awe by the intricate carvings of the temples and the architectural brilliance—such as rainwater harvesting systems integrated into the temple design. They were also moved by the stories of how the statues remained untouched despite attempts by cruel kings to demolish them and suppress the religion, only to later surrender to the profound influence of Jainism.

Chief Guest Shri Jaxay Shah, Chairman of the Quality Council of India, highlighted the importance of preserving India’s spiritual heritage. The Yatra was executed under the leadership of Smt. Shrena Sutaria with Shri Amar Parikh, Shri Jitendra Mehta and Shri Bhadresh Shah. Dignitaries from JITO Apex and JITO Ahmedabad also participated in the walk and congratulated the JITO Ahmedabad committee for the meticulous and well-executed planning of the event.

50 Volunteers from Shri Siddhi Surishwar ji Pariwar narrated the history of each derasar, while JITO Ahmedabad enhanced the experience by offering chhabs at every stop, The JITO Ladies Wing donated ₹10,000 per temple and the JITO Youth Wing supported the event throughout the route. Children in traditional attire performing pooja added a heartwarming cultural touch reflecting the transmission of Jain values to the next generation.

Refreshments were offered en route through bhatas and the event concluded with a community meal at Diwanji ni Haveli. Photography captured key moments and a special photo booth at the heritage Chabutro was a highlight. The walk also spotlighted jeev daya practices and centuries-old architecture still intact today. All attendees were given a surprise gift—a photo frame featuring their picture taken at the photo booth, as a sweet memento of their time at the Heritage Walk. A book titled Jain Heritage Gaurav Yatra was launched to commemorate the historic significance of all the heritage Jain temples. Shri Jaxay Shah expressed that it is possible to develop a Jain Derasar Corridor, similar to the Kashi Corridor.

Hosted by Shri Pravesh Mehta, of Diwanji ni Haveli & Economic Empowerment incharge, Jito Ahmedabad, the Yatra was a milestone in celebrating and preserving Jain heritage. Jito Ahmedabad organizers express deep gratitude to all contributors and look forward to expanding the movement through awareness and preservation efforts. The overwhelming positive feedback and heartfelt testimonials received post-event are a clear testament to the grand success of the Jain Heritage Gaurav Yatra.