What to eat and what to not in chaturmas

In Jainism, Chaturmas is a four-month period of increased spiritual discipline, typically observed during the rainy season (usually from July to October). During Chaturmas, Jains follow stricter dietary and ethical rules to minimize himsa (violence) and to support spiritual growth. Here are the general guidelines about what to eat and what to avoid during Chaturmas:

What to Eat:

• Freshly prepared vegetarian food: Only freshly cooked vegetarian food is consumed.
• Allowed grains and pulses: These should be cleaned and checked thoroughly for insects before use.
• Milk and milk products: These are usually permitted, provided they are freshly obtained and handled.
• Fruits and vegetables: Only those that are not prohibited during Chaturmas, and preferably those that do not grow underground.

What to Avoid:

• Green leafy vegetables: Many sects, especially Shwetambaras, avoid green leafy vegetables (patta) during Chaturmas because they are believed to harbor many microorganisms during the monsoon.
• Root vegetables: Such as potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, radishes, etc., because uprooting them involves killing the entire plant and many micro-organisms in the soil. Some sects avoid these year-round, but it is especially emphasized during Chaturmas.
• Fermented foods: Foods like curd, idli, dosa, and other fermented items are avoided, as fermentation increases the presence of microorganisms.
• Stale food: Food that has been prepared the previous day or is not freshly made is usually avoided.
• Sprouted grains and pulses: These are considered to contain more life forms and are avoided.
• Certain fruits and vegetables: Some sects avoid particular fruits and vegetables each month during Chaturmas, following traditional Jain calendars.
• Honey: Because obtaining honey involves violence against bees.
• Alcohol and non-vegetarian food: These are strictly prohibited in Jainism at all times, including Chaturmas.
• Processed and packaged foods: If they are not freshly prepared, or their preparation process is not clear, they are best avoided.

Special Observances:

• Many Jains take additional vows (niyams) during Chaturmas, such as eating only once or twice a day, not eating after sunset, or fasting on certain days.
• Some may also avoid traveling during Chaturmas to minimize harm to living beings.

Note: The exact restrictions can vary depending on the Jain sect (Shwetambar, Digambar, Sthanakvasi, Terapanthi, etc.), local traditions, and individual vows.

Summary Table:

| Eat | Avoid | |------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Fresh vegetarian food | Green leafy vegetables (patta) | | Allowed grains and pulses | Root vegetables (potato, onion, garlic, etc.) | | Fresh fruits and vegetables | Fermented foods (curd, idli, dosa) | | Milk and milk products (fresh) | Stale/leftover food | | | Sprouted grains/pulses | | | Honey | | | Alcohol, non-vegetarian food |

Always refer to your local Jain community or guru for specific guidelines according to your tradition.