• Why Jains celebrate Diwali: For Jains, Diwali is mainly the day when Mahavira attained Moksha (nirvana). It marks the end of his earthly life and the beginning of supreme spiritual enlightenment for all beings.

• When it happened: Mahavira’s nirvana is traditionally dated to the month of Kartik on the full moon day (Kartik Purnima). In the historical timeline, this is roughly 527 BCE in the common Jain dating.

• What the lights mean: The lamps lit on Diwali symbolize dispelling ignorance and darkness with the light of right knowledge and spiritual awakening.

• Do the different Jain traditions differ? The core meaning is the same across major traditions: Mahavira’s moksha. Some communities may emphasize related events in their own calendars, but the central theme remains the same.

• Additional note: In some Jain communities, Diwali is also a time for renewing vows, practicing ahimsa, and taking up or reinforcing spiritual disciplines.

If you’d like, I can share a simple prayer or mantra recited on Diwali with its Jain significance.