Mahavir Nirvan Diwas 2026
Mahavir Nirvan Diwas (Diwali) 2026 is on 8 November 2026, and the Jain New Year on 10 November 2026. For Jains, Diwali marks Bhagwan Mahavir's Nirvana at Pavapuri: the lamps are lit because the light of knowledge has passed from the world.
Diwali (Mahavir Nirvan) 2026 dates
| Observance | Date | Tithi | Tradition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diwali (Mahavir Nirvan Kalyanak)Bhagwan Mahavir attains Nirvana at Pavapuri | 8 November 2026SundayAshwina Krishna Amavasya | Ashwina Krishna Amavasya | Shwetambar and Digambar |
| Jain New Year (Gautam Swami Kevalgyan)Vira Nirvana Samvat begins; Gautam Swami attains Kevalgyan | 10 November 2026TuesdayKartika Shukla Pratipada | Kartika Shukla Pratipada | Shwetambar and Digambar |
Dates follow the udaya tithi (the tithi at sunrise), as Jain panchangs do. Gachchhas and sanghs sometimes differ by a day; follow your own sangh's announcement where it differs.
Mahavir's Nirvana
Bhagwan Mahavir gave his last sermon, the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, at Pavapuri in Bihar, and attained Nirvana in the last part of the night of Kartika (Aso) Amavasya in 527 BCE. The eighteen kings gathered there lit lamps, saying that as the light of knowledge had gone, they would make a light of matter.
Jains spend Diwali in fasting (many keep Chhath, two days), prayer and meditation, and Digambar Jains offer the Nirvan laddu in the temple at dawn.
Gautam Swami Kevalgyan and the Jain New Year
Mahavir's chief disciple, Gautam Swami, attained Kevalgyan the next morning, Kartika Shukla Pratipada. That day is the Jain New Year, when Vira Nirvana Samvat changes; Jains begin it by hearing the Gautam Swami Ras and with prayers for the year.
Frequently asked questions
Why do Jains celebrate Diwali?
Diwali is the day of Bhagwan Mahavir's Nirvana at Pavapuri. Jains light lamps to mark the passing of the light of knowledge, and celebrate Gautam Swami's Kevalgyan the next day.
Which Vira Nirvana Samvat begins in 2026?
Vira Nirvana Samvat 2553 begins on the Jain New Year, 10 November 2026.
About This Content
Jain festival and parva tithi dates are calculated by the Vedic Tithi engine from the tithi at sunrise (udaya tithi) at your location; Paryushan and Samvatsari keep India's date. Our automated tests compare these dates with a leading published panchang for New Delhi, New York and Vancouver. Gachchhas and sanghs sometimes differ by a day, so follow your own sangh's announcement where it differs. If you spot an error, tell us and we will correct it.
Meet our team →How we calculateDisclaimer
For feedback or questions about this content, contact us at contactus@vedictithi.com
Last updated: October 2026