From 22 January to 19 February 2006, a unique festival will take place in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka in South India. 2 million people will gather around the 56ft statue of Jain Idol, Bahubali, to witness and be part of a spiritual event that takes place every 12 years. Coloured powders, water and milk and poured over the statue as part of the worship of Bahubali's image. Music and prayers continue through the month and many Jain monks, nuns, devotees, tourists and world media will make their journey to this once in a life time event.

2006's festival will be extra special as there has been an unprecedented 13 year gap since the last. Karnataka is one of the Spiritual centres of India and the surrounding area is of historical interest and natural beauty.

Jainism is an ancient Indian culture and religious philosophy, sharing its roots with Buddhism and Hinduism. Non-violence and peace are at the heart of Jainism, and as of this Jains follow a vegetarian diet. Other Jain values include forgiveness, simplicity and respect. Jains do not believe in God/s but follow Tirthankaras, ancestors who attained liberation from the material world in their life time.

Bahubali is a Tirthankara and is worshipped at this festival. India has around seven million Jains and many outstanding examples of Jain art and architecture, including the Bahubali monolith. As part of Jain practice Tirthankaras are worshipped by bathing them in pure substances, usually water, to symbolise the washing away of karmas- this is called Puja. The festival in February is puja on its grandest scale.

Jain culture inspired Mahatma Gandhi, one of the greatest leaders of the present era. There are Jains all over the globe and according to the National Statistics Website's 2001 Census, there are 15000 Jains in the U.K