On the night of Diwali, while most of India lights lamps for Goddess Lakshmi, the Jain community lights lamps for a different reason: to commemorate the Nirvana (liberation) of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, who attained moksha on this very night in 527 BCE. This convergence of the Hindu and Jain celebrations on the same night of the year — each with their own distinct meaning — is one of the beautiful coincidences of the Indian calendar.
Quick Answer
Jains celebrate Diwali to mark Mahavira's Nirvana (527 BCE). Traditions include: Mahavira Nirvana Puja at the temple, lighting diyas to symbolise the spiritual light of his teachings, Chopada Puja (new account books) on Jain New Year the next day, and family celebration with strictly vegetarian sweets and gatherings.
Mahavira Nirvana Puja
The central religious act of Jain Diwali is the Mahavira Nirvana Puja performed at the Jain temple. Devotees gather before the image or idol of Mahavira, offer flowers (or rice, in traditions that avoid flower plucking), recite the Navkar Mantra, and listen to discourses on Mahavira's life and teachings. The lamp lighting that follows represents the spiritual light that Mahavira's teachings continue to provide even after his physical liberation.
Chopada Puja — New Year Traditions
- The day after Diwali is Jain New Year (Bestu Varas) — the start of the Vira Samvat calendar year
- Chopada Puja (worship of new account books) is performed — new ledgers are begun with the Navkar Mantra written on the first page
- This tradition reflects the Jain community's historic role as merchants and traders — the account book is a sacred object
- New clothes are worn, elders are visited, and sweets are shared — the festive dimension of the new year is similar to other communities
- Many Jain families also perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening, reflecting the integrated nature of Jain and Hindu cultural life in many communities
💡 Family tradition tip
If your family maintains the Chopada Puja tradition — document it. The specific prayers, the new account book ritual, the date when your family has historically begun new accounts — these commercial-spiritual traditions are uniquely Jain and worth preserving.