Answer

In Jain Dharma, Diwali is a very sacred day because it marks the Nirvana of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami. On this day, Jains focus on spirituality, reflection, worship, and inner purification.

You can observe Diwali by:

• Remembering Bhagwan Mahavir’s final teachings
• Doing Samayik, Pratikraman, or meditation
• Reciting Jain stavans, sutras, or mantras with devotion
• Visiting the Derasar and doing darshan-puja
• Practicing forgiveness, compassion, and self-control
• Doing charity and helping others
• Avoiding harm to living beings as much as possible

Explanation

According to Jain tradition, Bhagwan Mahavir attained moksha on the night of Diwali. Therefore, for Jains, Diwali is not only a festival of lights, but also a day of deep spiritual remembrance.

The lamps symbolize the light of right knowledge, because after Bhagwan Mahavir’s nirvana, people lit lamps as a symbol of keeping the light of his teachings alive.

Spiritual Understanding

Diwali is a good time to ask yourself:

• Am I reducing anger, pride, deceit, and greed?
• Am I becoming more peaceful and compassionate?
• Am I following ahimsa in my thoughts, words, and actions?
• Am I moving closer to the path of liberation?

Instead of only celebrating outwardly, Jain Diwali encourages us to light the inner lamp of the soul.

Takeaway

Celebrate Diwali by remembering Bhagwan Mahavir’s nirvana, doing dharma, practicing ahimsa, and bringing more purity, peace, and awareness into your life.