Diwali holds immense significance for Jains and Sikhs as well. As per Jain tradition, Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana on Diwali. Devotees celebrate this occasion by lighting lamps. In 600 AD, Guru Hargobind, the sixth guru of Sikhs was set free from imprisonment after fifteen years on Diwali. Sikh devotees celebrated the occasion by lighting earthen lamps in their homes.
For many communities, Diwali marks the beginning of a new year in the Vikram Samvat calendar, which is used for calculating the date and time of various social rituals and festivals.
It is believed that king Vikramaditya ascended the throne on Diwali. He launched a new calendar to celebrate his coronation, which became popular in various parts of the country. It is still in use for religious purposes.
