Anjan Shalaka Festival Ignites Divine Joy

Witness Heart-Pounding Joy at “Anjan Shalaka Festival” of Jain Community At Mandvini Pol In Ahmedabad

At Surdas Sheth’s Pol, Mandvi Pol, in the heart of Ahmedabad, the grand five-day festival “Panch Anihak Mahotsav” has started from 16th to 20th January to mark the 575th Anjan Shalaka anniversary of Lord Kunthunath Dada. Panch Kalyanak events honour the five holy steps in a Tirthankar’s life, like birth, wisdom gain, and freedom from rebirth, and they pull in thousands for prayers and joy across India. In Ahmedabad, January often buzzes with such Jain meets, like talks on faith or big statue rites, blending old rites with lively crowds in the city’s walled heart. Kunthunath, the 17th Tirthankar, stands for steady strength, and his temples dot spots like Paldi or Bardoli, but this pol event shines as a rare 575-year mark.

The Ahmedabad Mayor, Smt. Pratibhaben Jain was also present at the occasion, and she received blessings from the Maharaj Saheb.

In the courtyard of Rajnagar, at Surdas Sheth’s Pol, the celebration of the 575th Anjan Shalaka anniversary has begun. Surdas Sheth’s Pol sits in the heart of Ahmedabad’s old city, a spot rich in Jain heritage where ancient temples draw crowds for big events like this one. These pols, or gated lanes, started long ago for safety during tough times, and today they hold treasures like carved havelis and shrines over 400 years old. The Anjan Shalaka rite marks a key moment in Jain ways, where a special eye mark on the idol opens divine sight, turning a stone image into a living guide for peace and truth.

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The city of Ahmedabad is known for its heritage, especially the Manek Chowk area, which has many old pols and historic houses. Inside Mandvi Pol, there are nine pols, including temples that are 500 years old. Mandvi ni Pol is the biggest cluster, with about 30 lanes full of carved doors and community gates that once kept families safe in riot times under old rulers. Folks here take pride in their spots, named after traders or crafts like silk weavers, and they host temple walks that show off wood ceilings and dancer carvings rare in Jain spots. Manek Chowk buzzes with markets nearby, but these pols stay calm havens for faith and old tales.​​

Among these pols is Surdas Sheth’s Pol, where the grand Panch Anihak Mahotsav has started in the presence of Lord Kunthunath Dada, on the sacred occasion of the 575th Anjan Shalaka celebration. This pol holds a fine Kunthunath shrine amid narrow paths lined with tall heritage homes that whisper stories of rich past lives. Such sites mix daily prayer spots with big fests, where carved pillars and calm yards pull in walkers keen on Ahmedabad’s mix of trade history and spiritual pull.​

​We feel blessed to receive the love and guidance of Punya Prabhavak and Chief Pratishthacharya Shrimad Vijay Niti Suri Maharaj and Shrimad Vijay Hemprabh Suri Maharaj. Shrimad Vijay Niti Surishwarji leads with deep care, earning India’s Padma Shri last year for social work like eye camps that helped 40,000 poor folks see again. Hemprabh Surishwarji inspires through life tales shared in talks and clips, guiding flocks with simple wisdom on peace and giving.​​

The 575th Anjan Shalaka Mahotsav is being held under the inspiration of Param Pujya Shrimad Vijay Anant Bhadra Suri Maharaj, 1008 Tap Sankalpdhari Gachchhadhipati Param Pujya Shrimad Vijay Lalitprabh Suri Maharaj, and Param Pujya Maniprabh Vijayji Maharaj. Anant Bhadra Surishwarji heads with a vow of 1008 days of strict fasts, a top mark of will in Jain paths that lights up big rites like this. Gachchhadhipatis like him oversee monk groups, much like past leaders who ended old harms and built bridges in tough spots. Maniprabh Vijayji adds steady grace to these events.​​

It gives great joy to mention that the trustees and working members, including Hemendrabhai Shah, who have worked for years for the progress and success of this pol, shared details of the celebration. They said that the Panch Anihak Mahotsav will be held from 16th to 20th January 2026. Such hands-on leaders keep pol trusts alive, fixing old homes and planning fests that tie folks to roots amid city change.​

During this festival, there will be 18 Abhishek ceremonies, Arhad Mahapuja on three days, Bhaktamar Mahapuja, Rishabh Shobha, and on the final day, a special 17 Bhedi Puja will be performed. Abhishek pours holy water over idols 18 times for cleansing and blessing, while Arhad and Bhaktamar pujas chant hymns for calm and win over woes. Rishabh Shobha parades the first Tirthankar’s tales in bright steps, and 17 Bhedi Puja layers deep rites for soul lift on the close day.​

They also shared that on Sunday, 18th January 2026, the trustees have planned a special programme that includes a “Bahen Jamai Bhanej Sneh Sammelan and Swami Vatsalya” where more than 800 people are expected to join. These family love meets, like cricket or chats in Jain groups, warm bonds with games and saint blessings, drawing big turns for fun and faith ties. It caps the fest with heart, as crowds fill yards for shared meals and vows under the pol’s old watch.

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