Paryushana is Jainism's most important observance — eight days (Svetambara) or ten (Digambara) of fasting, study, and confession that end in Samvatsari, when Jains ask forgiveness of everyone they may have harmed, in person or by message. The formula, Micchami Dukkadam, is sent to friends, colleagues, and estranged relatives alike, and the obligation runs in every direction regardless of who was at fault. It is a scheduled, community-wide clearing of the ledger.