01
Humanitarian Seva Event
A new, hands-on community-service event open to every attendee — embodying Parasparopagraho Jīvānām: all life is bound together.
About
A living tradition, gathered in Dallas.
The JAINA Convention is the premier biennial gathering of the North American Jain community — held every two years since 1981.
The Convention
The 24th Biennial JAINA Convention
Every two years, Jains from across the United States, Canada, and beyond come together for four days of spiritual programs, youth events, scholarly sessions, cultural celebration, shared meals, and community connection.
The 2027 convention takes place at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas over the July 4th weekend. JAINA is hosting the convention in collaboration with the Jain Sanghs of Dallas, Austin, and Houston.
A national gathering
Scenes from the 2025 JAINA Convention in Chicago.
Faith in community
Spiritual practice remains at the heart of the convention.
Tradition brought to life
Temple, culture, scholarship, and seva together.
Every generation
A shared experience for children, youth, adults, and elders.
The 2027 Theme
Timeless Values for Our Evolving World
As technology, culture, and the world around us continue to change, Jain values remain deeply relevant. The 2027 Convention explores how Ahimsa, Anekantavada, and Aparigraha can guide the way we live, connect, and move forward.
The Federation
About JAINA
The Federation of Jain Associations in North America is an umbrella of 72 Jain Centers representing approximately 200,000 members across the United States and Canada. Founded in 1981, JAINA is a registered 501(c)(3) dedicated to preserving and sharing Jain Dharma and the Jain way of life.
What’s New for 2027
A few important firsts.
Dallas brings new ways to serve, connect, and live Jain values together.
02
Environmental Impact Committee
A dedicated committee working to reduce waste, rethink single-use materials, and make the convention lighter on the planet in the spirit of ahimsa.
03
Three Texas Sanghs Together
Dallas, Austin, and Houston are collaborating for the first time, welcoming the convention back to Texas for the first time since 2011.
Host & Collaborating Sanghs
Hosted by JAINA, supported by the Jain communities of Texas.
One national organization and three local communities are working together to welcome the Jain community to Dallas.
Convention Leadership
Hundreds of hands, one gathering.
The convention is led by Dr. Jayesh Shah, Convener, together with the Co-Conveners, Convention Board, committees, JAINA leadership, the host sanghs, and hundreds of volunteers.
Meet the Leadership Team
Past Conventions
Twenty-four gatherings since 1981.
From Los Angeles to Toronto, Houston to Chicago, each convention has carried Jain values into its time. Dallas continues that story in 2027.
24 Conventions14 Host Cities1981–20272021 held virtually
1980s
1981
Los Angeles, CA
JAINA Convention
1983
New York, NY
JAINA Convention
1985
Detroit, MI
JAINA Convention
1987
Chicago, IL
JAINA Convention
1989
Toronto, ON
JAINA Convention
1990s
1991
San Francisco, CA
Extending Jain Heritage to the Next Generation
1993
Pittsburgh, PA
Jainism: Past – Present – Future
1995
Chicago, IL
Jainism in the 21st Century
1997
Toronto, ON
Jainism in Practice
1999
Philadelphia, PA
Advancing Jainism into the Future
2000s
2001
Chicago, IL
Practicing Jainism in the 21st Century
2003
Cincinnati, OH
Jainism: The Art of Living
2005
San Francisco, CA
Extending Jain Heritage in a Western Environment
2007
Edison, NJ
Peace Through Dialogue
2009
Los Angeles, CA
Ecology: The Jain Way
2010s
2011
Houston, TX
Live and Help Live
2013
Detroit, MI
Jainism: The Global Impact
2015
Atlanta, GA
Jainism: World of Non-Violence
2017
Edison, NJ
Jainism and Science
2019
Los Angeles, CA
Jain Religion in the 21st Century
2020s
2021
Virtual Convention
The community gathered online
2023
Lakeland, FL
Maximize Human Potential — The Jain Way
2025
Chicago, IL
Unity in Diversity: A Path to Peace
2027
Dallas, TX
Timeless Values for Our Evolving World