Vardhamana Mahavira, the twenty-fourth spiritual head (Tirthankara) of Jainism, was born on this day more than 2,500 years ago. For the Jains it is a day dedicated to his memory. The anniversary attracts pilgrims from all parts of the country to the ancient Jain shrines at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat. Jains observe Mahavir Jayanti in the month of Chaitra (March-April).