Answer

In Jain Dharma, Dasara / Dussehra is not a core Jain religious festival in the same way as Paryushan, Ayambil Oli, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, Diwali, or Kartik Purnima.

However, many Jain families observe Dasara culturally and spiritually by doing simple, non-violent, devotional practices such as:

• Offering prayers to Arihant Bhagwan
• Doing Navkar Mantra jaap
• Visiting Derasar
• Performing samayik or pratikraman
• Reading Jain scriptures or listening to pravachan
• Taking a vow to reduce anger, ego, greed, or attachment
• Practicing charity, compassion, and forgiveness

Jain Way to Observe Dasara

A Jain-friendly Dasara observance can be:

• Morning: Take bath, wear clean clothes, and visit Derasar if possible.
• Darshan: Do peaceful darshan of Arihant Bhagwan.
• Mantra: Chant Navkar Mantra with devotion.
• Reflection: Think about conquering inner enemies such as krodh, maan, maya, and lobh — anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
• Ahimsa: Avoid any ritual involving violence, firecrackers, or harm to living beings.
• Tap / Tyag: If suitable, observe simple tapasya like upvas, ekasana, beasana, or avoid certain foods.
• Daan: Offer charity with humility, especially in ways that support compassion and non-violence.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, the true “victory” is not over another person. It is victory over one’s own passions:

• Krodh – anger
• Maan – pride
• Maya – deceit
• Lobh – greed
• Raag-Dwesh – attachment and aversion

So, if Dasara is observed by a Jain, it should be understood as a day for inner purification, self-discipline, and spiritual victory.

Takeaway

For Jains, the best Dasara pooja is:

Navkar Mantra, darshan of Jinendra Bhagwan, ahimsa, self-reflection, tapasya, and a sincere effort to conquer inner weaknesses.