Jain Calendar 2024 Diwali
Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated by people of all religions and communities. In the Jain community, Diwali has a special significance and is celebrated with great fervor. As we approach the year 2024, let’s take a closer look at the Jain Calendar for Diwali and the various events and festivals that are part of this auspicious occasion.
The Jain Calendar for 2024
The Jain Calendar is a lunar calendar that is followed by Jains all over the world. It is based on the cycles of the moon and is divided into 12 months. The month of Kartik is considered to be one of the most important months in the Jain Calendar as it is the month of Diwali.
The Significance of Diwali in Jainism
Diwali holds a special place in Jainism as it marks the anniversary of the attainment of moksha by Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. It is also believed that on this day, Lord Mahavira’s chief disciple, Ganadhara Gautam Swami, attained omniscience.
Events and Festivals in Jain Calendar 2024 Diwali
Diwali celebrations in the Jain community start from the 13th day of the month of Kartik and continue for five days. The five-day celebrations are as follows:
- Dhanteras: The first day of Diwali is known as Dhanteras. It is considered to be an auspicious day for buying gold and silver items. It is believed that buying gold on this day brings good luck and prosperity.
- Narak Chaturdashi: The second day of Diwali is known as Narak Chaturdashi. It is also called Choti Diwali. On this day, people take an oil bath and wear new clothes. They also light diyas and candles to ward off evil spirits.
- Diwali: The third day of Diwali is the main day of celebrations. It is known as Diwali or Deepavali. On this day, people light diyas and candles, decorate their homes with rangoli, and burst firecrackers. They also offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Mahavira.
- New Year: The fourth day of Diwali is considered to be the start of the New Year. It is known as Bestu Varas or Gujarati New Year. On this day, people visit friends and family, exchange gifts and sweets, and offer prayers for prosperity and good luck.
- Bhai Dooj: The fifth and final day of Diwali is known as Bhai Dooj. It is a day to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters apply tikka on their brother’s forehead and perform aarti. Brothers, in turn, offer gifts and sweets to their sisters.
Celebrating Diwali in a Jain Way
Diwali celebrations in the Jain community are marked by simplicity and devotion. Jains believe in leading a simple life and refrain from indulging in excesses. They focus on inner peace and enlightenment rather than material possessions. The celebrations are centered around the worship of Lord Mahavira and the attainment of moksha.
On Diwali, Jains visit the temple and offer prayers to Lord Mahavira. They also light diyas and candles and offer sweets and fruits as prasad. They refrain from bursting firecrackers and causing harm to the environment and animals.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the significance of Diwali in Jainism?
A: Diwali marks the anniversary of the attainment of moksha by Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. It is also believed that on this day, Lord Mahavira’s chief disciple, Ganadhara Gautam Swami, attained omniscience.
Q: How long does Diwali celebrations last in the Jain community?
A: Diwali celebrations in the Jain community start from the 13th day of the month of Kartik and continue for five days.
FAQs
Q: Why do Jains refrain from bursting firecrackers on Diwali?
A: Jains believe in leading a simple life and refrain from indulging in excesses. They also believe in non-violence and causing harm to the environment and animals. Bursting firecrackers causes pollution and harm to animals, which is against Jain beliefs.
Q: What is the significance of the oil bath on Narak Chaturdashi?
A: The oil bath is considered to be a cleansing ritual that purifies the body and soul. It is believed that taking an oil bath on Narak Chaturdashi helps to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck and prosperity.
Diwali celebrations in the Jain community are a time for devotion, simplicity, and inner peace. It is a time to reflect on the teachings of Lord Mahavira and to strive towards enlightenment. May this Diwali bring joy, prosperity, and good luck to all.