Answer

On Diwali evening, Jains traditionally observe Diwali not mainly as a festival of worldly celebration, but as the sacred night of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami’s Nirvana.

Common Jain practices in the evening include:

• Going to the Derasar / Jain temple
• Doing darshan of Bhagwan
• Offering deepak / lamps
• Doing Aarti and Mangal Divo
• Reciting Navkar Mantra
• Remembering Bhagwan Mahavir’s Nirvana
• Listening to or reading about Uttaradhyayan Sutra or Mahavir Nirvana
• Doing Pratikraman, Samayik, or quiet spiritual reflection

Common Aartis and Prayers

The exact practice can vary by Jain sect, region, and family tradition, but commonly performed items include:

• Navkar Mantra
• Jai Jai Aarti Adi Jinanda or the local Jain Aarti traditionally sung in the temple
• Mangal Divo
• Shanti Kalash / Shanti Path, where customary
• Mahavir Swami related stavans
• Deepak Pooja or lighting lamps in memory of Bhagwan Mahavir’s Nirvana

Pooja Performed

In many Jain communities, people may perform:

• Ashtaprakari Pooja — the eightfold worship of the Tirthankar
• Deepak Pooja — offering lamps
• Bhagwan Mahavir Nirvana remembrance
• Chaitya Vandana
• Dev Vandan
• Samayik or meditation

In some traditions, special emphasis is given to Nirvana Ladoo the next morning, especially on New Year day, symbolizing Bhagwan Mahavir’s attainment of liberation.

Explanation

For Jains, Diwali marks the night when Bhagwan Mahavir Swami attained Nirvana, meaning complete liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The lamps are lit not just for decoration, but as a symbol of the light of knowledge that Bhagwan Mahavir gave to the world.

After Bhagwan Mahavir’s Nirvana, the light of his physical presence was gone, so people lit lamps as a reminder to keep the light of his teachings alive.

Spiritual Understanding

The main feeling of Jain Diwali is:

• Gratitude for Bhagwan Mahavir’s teachings
• Detachment from worldly attachments
• Reflection on the soul’s journey toward moksha
• Renewal of commitment to ahimsa, truth, self-discipline, and forgiveness

Takeaway

Jains spend Diwali evening by lighting lamps, doing Aarti, Mangal Divo, Pooja, prayer, and remembering Bhagwan Mahavir Swami’s Nirvana. The focus is not merely celebration, but spiritual awakening and devotion.