Michhami

Michhami, in Jain practice, is best known as part of the phrase Michhami Dukkadam, a customary expression used to seek forgiveness during the annual Paryushana festival and on Samvatsari, the day of forgiveness. The term is part of a broader observance in which Jains reflect on their conduct over the past year and offer or receive forgiveness from others for injuries caused through thoughts, words, or deeds. The complete utterance Michhami Dukkadam is typically translated as “may all my wrongdoings be forgiven” or “may you forgive me for my faults,” and is commonly exchanged between family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers.

The practice accompanies other penitential rites such as Pratikraman (repentance and confession) and seeking forgiveness (Kshama) from all living beings, including humans, animals, and the environment. While most prominent within Jain communities on Paryushana and Samvatsari, the custom is observed by many as a seasonal gesture of reconciliation and humility and has also been adopted in broader intercultural contexts.

Variants in transliteration (Michhami Dukkadam, Mitchhami Dukkadam) reflect regional pronunciations, but the underlying purpose remains consistent: to acknowledge harm, request forgiveness, and extend forgiveness to others. See also Paryushana, Samvatsari, Pratikraman, Kshama.