diwali has a very special significance in jainism. it marks the anniversary of "nirvana" (final release) or liberation of mahavira's soul, the twenty fourth and last jain tirthankara of present cosmic age. it is celebrated at the same time as the hindu festival of diwali. diwali marks the end of the year for the jains and it likewise remembers the passing commemoration of their 24th tirthankara mahavira and his achievement of moksha.