Diwali Parva has been celebrated for a long time. But why do we celebrate it?
In Jainism, Diwali commemorates the anniversary of Bhagawan Mahavir's attainment of Moksha. Bhagawan Mahavir is the 24th and last Tirthankar of Jainism who revitalized the religion as it is today. In renowned Jain scripture, Kalpasutra, it is said that the earth and the heaven were illuminated with lamps during the night of Diwali; to represent Bhagawan Mahavir's achievement of ultimate salvation - Moksha. On this day, Bhagawan Mahavir (our Bhav-deepak) left us, hence we do Dravya-deepak (lit lamps).
The very next morning after Bhagwan Mahavir’s Nirvana, Shri Gautam Swami, the chief Ganadhar of Bhagawan Mahavir attained Keval-jnan - the ultimate knowledge. In absence of Bhagawan Mahavir, he lamented so much that his soul liberated from all the bondages of destructive or Ghati Karma(s). We celebrate this day as 'New Year Day'.
To celebrate this Parva, Jains around the world perform Chatt (2 day upavas).This year it should be performed on Sunday 10/23 and Monday 10/24.
At this time of the year, Bhagawan Mahavir while in Tapa (Chatt or 2 day upavas) delivered a continuous sermon or deshna for 48 hours before attaining Nirvana on Diwali night. It is believed that if we do Diwali Chatt (2 day upavas), we get 100,000,000,000,000,000 Upavas Punya. All Shravaks and Shravikas are encouraged to do Chatt.
In addition, Jaap is performed from Diwali night, Monday October 24th -
1)
"Shri Mahävir Swami Sarvagnäya Namah" - 20 malas (Rosary beads)
2)
"Shri Mahävir Swami Pärangatäy Namah" - 20 malas
3)
"Shri Gautam Swami Sarvagnäya Namah" - 20 malas (next morning)
