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	Harshad Shah grinds a mixture of saffron and water on a special wooden plate made from the Chandan tree. The mixture is used to make the red Kashar dot placed between the participants’ eyes. Non-violence is one of the most important principles in Jainism, so those performing the ceremony wear scarfs to prevent the accidental damage their breath may cause to microscopic airborne organisms.
	Dipal Patel, daughter of Kirtan and Geeta Patel, sits with the children who are attending the Puja. Like many of the parents and grandparents in attendance, Dipal wears her traditional Indian clothing. The traditional Indian family usually includes many generations under the same roof.
	Lord Mahavir is the founder of the Jains, but he is not considered a God. Born more than 2,500 years ago, he is the 24th and last Tirhankara, which is a spiritual leader. After 12 years of meditation, Lord Mahavir had a spiritual realization and spent the next 30 years preaching in India. He also achieved Moksha or enlightenment, a concept found in Hinduism and Buddhism.
	People of all ages gather for Puja. Men, women, and children filled Patel’s typical American living room to pray, sing, learn, and worship.
	Aacharya Rupachandgi, a Jain monk, speaks at the ceremony. Aacharya is his title, denoting the type of monk he is. A monk visits the Cincinnati area once a year for the eight-day Parushan Parvo holy time beginning toward the end of August. Monks adhere to five vows: non-violence, honesty, not stealing, sexual restraint, and non-possession. These principles are followed by laymen to the best of their ability.
	An offering plate is prepared with a five flame lamp in which an offering will be collected.
	In a centuries-old tradition, Patel holds a small vessel with a spigot over a large pot. His guests gather around him and fill similar vessels with the liquids that have washed over their founder’s statue. They then take turns pouring the liquids, called shantikalash, through Patel’s vessel, creating an impromptu fountain.
	Manju Shah prays at the end of the Puja.