Samvatsari outstation friends and relatives asking their forgiveness. Being the holiest day of the Jain calendar, many Jains observe a complete fast on this day. While "Samvatsari" and "Kshamavaani" are typically associated with Shwetambar sect and Digambara respectively, there is no major difference between the two days and both are observed as Forgiveness Days. Rather, the two are usually used interchangeably. However, a major difference between the two is that despite both "Samvatsari" and "Kshamavaani" falling on the last day of Paryushan, they are in fact two different days. This is because the Paryushan festival for the two sects itself commences
Freedom of religion in Austria Freedom of religion in Austria The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the Government generally respected this right in practice for all but a minority of religious groups. Government policy continued to contribute to the free practice of religion for all but those religions termed "sects." There was a report of an anti-Semitic physical attack against a person and a violent anti-Semitic attack against property. Other anti-Semitic incidents occurred during the year. There was some societal mistrust and discrimination against members of some non-recognized religious groups, particularly those referred to as "sects." During 2006 there were 32 cases of