What is "samvatsari"

Samvatsari (International Forgiveness Day) is the last day of '' Paryushana ''—the eight- or ten-day festival of Jainism. It is the holiest day of the Jain calendar. Many Jains observe a complete fast on this day. The whole day is spent in prayers and contemplation. A yearly, elaborate penitential retreat called ''samvatsati pratikramana '' is performed on this day. After the pratikramana Jains seek forgiveness from all the creatures of the world whom they may have harmed knowingly or unknowingly by uttering the phrase— Micchami Dukkadam , "Khamau Sa" , or "Khamat Khamna". As a matter of ritual, they personally greet their friends and relatives Micchami Dukkadam. No private quarrel or dispute may be carried beyond Samvatsari and letters , telephone calls are made to the outstation friends and relatives asking their forgiveness.