Short answer

• On some tithis (lunar-days) Jains observe stricter food rules to practice extra ahimsa (non-violence) and simplicity. Greens (leafy vegetables) are often avoided on those days, while simpler, non-green foods like kathol (dry pulses) are preferred. This practice varies by family, temple, and whether you follow Digambar or Shwetambar traditions. A common pattern is that greens and other items seen as more life-dense may be restricted on certain tithis or upvas (fasting days). ( jainknowledge.com)

How to explain to children (plain, child-friendly)

• In Jainism, we try to Harm-free eating. On some tithis, families choose to eat very simply to help all living beings and to focus more on prayers and self-control.
• Because greens are leafy and grow in the soil, some people think they might involve more life around them when we harvest. So, on those special days, greens are not eaten, and dried pulses (kathol) or plain doughy foods are eaten instead.
• It’s not the same everywhere: some families follow different rules, so what is allowed on one tithi might be a bit different on another. So it’s good to check with your own temple or guru.

Easy talking points you can use with kids

• “Today we are keeping a simple fast day, so we’ll avoid greens and eat something plain like chapati with dal and a small kathol dish.”
• “Tomorrow, the rules might be relaxed a bit, and we can eat more foods, but we still follow kindness and not wasting food.”
• “Different communities may have a slightly different list, but the idea is the same: be extra kind to all living beings and eat gently.”

Notes for grown-ups

• If you want, you can share a short family practice (for example: a single simple meal on tithi days, no greens, and no fermentation) and then adjust according to your local sangh guidance.
• For precise, locally practiced lists (which greens, which tithis), check with your guru or temple guidance, since Digambar and Shwetambar communities may have variations.

You can read more about typical tithi-based diet practices here: and a general overview about tithi foods here: .

If you tell me whether you follow Digambar or Shwetambar, I can give a more exact outline for the specific tithi you have in mind.