Jainism
Diwali is celebrated by Jains with devotion, on this day Lord Mahavira the 24th Thirthankara achieved Nirvana on Amavasya of Ashvina masa in 527 B.C. The Lord left the body and achieved Mukti/liberation in Pavapuri, Bihar. Lighting of lamps on this day acknowledges Lord Mahavira’s preaching and knowledge.
Picture1 – Lord Mahavira
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Deepavali (“avali” means rows and “deepa” means lamp) or Diwali is a festival of lights much loved by one and all. It is the time for sweets, savories, family get-together, new clothes, crackers and the most important of them all lights. Diwali is spread over 5 days and the first 3 days falls in the Hindu month of Ashwina and the next 2 days falls in Karthika, which is usually November in the Gregorian calendar. This is one of the major festivals in India and it is celebrated all over India and Nepal with a lot enthusiasm. Many legends are associated with this festival.
The reason for celebrating this festival varies from region to region and religion to religion. But one reason remains the same and that is of triumph of “good” over “evil” and the elevating of spiritual darkness. This festival is mentioned in the great epic Ramayana.
This year (2012), Diwali is celebrated in November:
Day1 – 11th (Ashwina Month / Tryodashi Day) – Dhanteras, Neeru thumbuva habba
Day2 – 12th (Ashwina Month / Chathurdashi Day) – Narakachathurdashi, Choti Diwali
Day3 – 13th (Ashwina Month / Amavasya Day) – Lakshmi Pooja, Amavasya
Day4 – 14th (Karthika Month / Padya Day) – Balipadyami, Vikram Samvat(New Year), BaliPratipada
Day5 – 15th (Karthika Month / Bidige - Dwithiya(2nd day of Karthika)) – Bhai Duj/Bhau Bij.
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