Short answer (Digambar maryādā): Generally no, Digambar chaukā should not be done during active periods (bleeding days).

A bit more detail:

1. Why not chaukā during periods?

In Digambar tradition, menstruation days are treated as a time of ritual ashoch (lack of ritual purity), not that the woman herself is “impure.” - Food made in Digambar chaukā is considered very shuddha and often connected to - dev-pūjā / naivedya - dān to sadhus / shravaks - special vrats, upvās, paushadh etc. - Because of this high level of shuddhi, most Digambar families do not allow chaukā or such religious cooking during periods.

1. What is usually followed in Digambar homes?

During active flow (and till full bath at the end), many families follow: - Do not - do Digambar chaukā - cook food that is to be offered to dev, guru, or for special vrat - Allowed / depends on family maryādā - simple, normal daily cooking for family may be allowed or restricted, based on house rules - Encouraged - rest, good hygiene, simple bhāv-bhakti (Navkār mantra, stavans, listening to pravachan, mental sādhana).

1. When can you start chaukā again?

- After bleeding is over and you take a full bath, you may resume normal Digambar chaukā as per your family/sangh practice.

1. Important clarity (spiritual point)

- Menstruation is a natural bodily process. Jain dharma does not call the woman herself impure. - These are maryādā for ritual purity, not a judgement on your soul. - Your bhāv, ahimsā and saiyam can continue fully during periods.

For more detailed Jain guidance on periods and rules, you can read here and here