You don’t actually need any formal “conversion” ceremony to become Jain. In Jain dharma, what really matters is your right understanding, faith, and practice.

Here is a simple, practical path you can follow:

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1. Understand what you are choosing

At a basic level, a Jain is someone who:

• Believes that every soul (jiv) is eternal and can become pure like a Tirthankar.
• Accepts ahimsa (non‑violence) as the highest principle – in thoughts, words and actions.
• Tries to reduce:

- Anger (krodh) - Pride (maan) - Deceit (maya) - Greed (lobh)

• Believes in karma and that we are responsible for our own happiness and suffering.
• Respects all living beings, all viewpoints (anekantvad), and practices self‑discipline.

Before “becoming Jain”, spend some time reading and listening to basic teachings, so your decision is based on clear understanding, not emotion.

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2. Start living like a Jain from today

You can slowly begin to live as a Jain right now, even while staying in your Marathi family.

Daily habits to start

1. Ahimsa in food

- First step: avoid meat, fish, eggs, alcohol. - Next step (when you are ready): avoid underground vegetables (kand‑mool), eating at night, etc.

1. Samayik-type practice (even if short)

- Sit quietly for 10–15 minutes daily. - Try to: - Watch your thoughts without reacting. - Ask forgiveness in mind from all beings you may have hurt.

1. Namokar Mantra

- Learn and recite Namokar Mantra daily with respect. - Even if you don’t know full meaning now, start with devotion, then slowly learn the arth (meaning).

1. Truth & self‑control

- Be strict about speaking truth. - Avoid gossip, hurting words, and unnecessary lies. - Start with small self‑control: e.g., control on mobile, on anger, on food quantity.

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3. Learning step by step

Since you are 23 and new to Jainism:

• Start with basic books / videos on:

- Life of Bhagwan Mahavir - Main principles: Ahimsa, Anekantvad, Aparigrah (non‑possessiveness) - Simple explanations of karma, soul (atma), and moksh.

Use simple, beginner‑level material first. Once the foundation is clear, you can go into scriptures like:

• Tattvartha Sutra (general)
• Samansuttam
• For Shwetambar: Kalpa Sutra, etc.
• For Digambar: Samayasar (later, when you are stronger in basics)

If you tell me whether you are more inclined towards Digambar or Shwetambar, I can suggest a more exact path of study next time.

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4. Do I need a formal ceremony to “convert”?

In Jain dharma:

• To become a Shravak/Shravika (lay follower), there is usually no strict universal “conversion ritual” like in some other religions.
• What is important:

- You accept Jain siddhant (doctrine) from your heart. - You start following Anuvratas (small vows) suitable for householders.

• Some families/derasars may do:

- A small sankalp / vidhi where you: - Take basic vows in front of an Acharya, Muni, or Guruji. - Publicly express that you accept Jain dharma. - This is optional but helpful for sankalp and guidance.

If possible, visit a nearby Jain temple and respectfully talk to:

• A Jain monk (Sadhu/Sadhvi)
• Or a knowledgeable Shrut‑gyani / pathshala teacher

Tell them exactly what you wrote to me: that you sincerely wish to follow Jain dharma. They can guide you practically according to your locality and language.

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5. Family background: You are from a Marathi family

Being born in a Marathi (non‑Jain) family does not stop you from becoming Jain. Many Jains today are from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

But you should be:

• Respectful to your parents and family.
• Avoid fights or disrespect in the name of religion.
• Slowly explain your reasons, your values: “I want to live more ahimsak, with self‑control, peace, and compassion.”

Try to:

• Eat satvik food without hurting their sentiments.
• Adjust where possible, but without giving up your core principles.
• Remember: ahimsa towards family’s feelings is also important; change should be gradual and with love.

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6. Basic Anuvratas (small vows) you can start adopting

You don’t have to take all at once. Start with what you can genuinely follow:

1. Ahimsa Anuvrat – No killing or supporting killing of living beings as far as possible.
2. Satya Anuvrat – Always speak truth that does not hurt others.
3. Achaurya Anuvrat – Never steal; avoid any unfair benefit.
4. Brahmacharya Anuvrat – Purity in relationships; no misuse of sexuality.
5. Aparigrah Anuvrat – Reduce greed and attachment to money, things, status.

Even trying sincerely is a big step toward becoming Jain in the true sense.

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7. Inner change is more important than label

From Jain viewpoint:

• You are not “Jain” just by name, birth, or community.
• You are “Jain” when:

- You move towards non‑violence, - You accept responsibility for your karma, - You purify your thoughts, speech, and actions.

So, start seeing yourself not as “Marathi vs Jain”, but as a soul walking on the path shown by the Jinas (Tirthankars).

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8. Practical first steps for you (summary)

From today you can:

1. Stop eating meat/eggs/alcohol if you haven’t already.
2. Learn and recite Namokar Mantra daily.
3. Sit 10–15 minutes in silence and ask forgiveness from all living beings.
4. Visit a nearby Jain temple regularly and just sit peacefully there.
5. Talk to a Jain Guruji / monk / learned person about your desire to follow Jain dharma.
6. Slowly adopt truthfulness, non‑violence, and self‑control more strictly.

Over time, if your desire becomes very strong, you can also think about:

• Taking formal layperson vows from an Acharya.
• Following more advanced practices: ashtanika, paryushan, upvas, etc.

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If you share:

• Which city you live in, and
• Whether you feel more drawn to Digambar or Shwetambar tradition,

I can outline a very simple, step‑by‑step practice plan for the next 3–6 months tailored to you.