Answer

In Jain Dharma, nightfall means after sunset, not midnight.

So, if a rule says something should not be done after nightfall, it generally means after the sun has set.

Explanation

In Jain practice, nighttime begins when natural daylight ends. This is important especially for:

• avoiding eating after sunset,
• reducing harm to tiny living beings,
• following discipline in vrat, tapasya, and daily conduct.

Midnight is only the middle of the night; it is not the beginning of nightfall.

Takeaway

Nightfall = after sunset. Midnight = middle of the night.