In Jainism, “Oli” (often said as Ayambil Oli or Navpad Oli) means a special 9‑day spiritual period.

Basic meaning:

• Oli = a 9‑day sādhanā period.
• During these 9 days, many Jains do Ayambil every day – one very simple, almost tasteless meal, with many items like milk, ghee, oil, sweets, etc. avoided.
• The 9 days are dedicated to worship of Navpad (nine supreme entities):

Arihant, Siddha, Āchārya, Upādhyāya, Sādhu, Samyak Darshan, Samyak Jñān, Samyak Chāritra, and Samyak Tap. ( jainknowledge.com)

When is Oli:

• It comes twice a year, for 9 days each time:

- Chaitra (around March–April) - Ashwin/Āso (around September–October) ( jainknowledge.com)

What people do in Oli:

• Daily Ayambil (or other tapas as per capacity).
• Navpad / Siddhachakra pūjā.
• Pratikraman, samayik (equanimity/meditation), svādhyāy (scripture study).
• Extra care in ahimsā and controlling anger, pride, deceit, greed. ( jainknowledge.com)

Digambar & Shvetambar:

• Shvetambar: usually called Ayambil Oli or Siddhachakra Oli, with strong focus on Siddhachakra pūjā.
• Digambar: often called Navapad Oli / Navadevta Oli, with Navapad ārādhana; food rules and rituals may differ slightly, but purpose is the same – nine days of tapas and Navpad worship. ( jainknowledge.com)

Essence of Oli:

• To reduce attachment to taste and comfort.
• To purify karmas and strengthen right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
• It is not just a “diet”; it is a focused period of inner purification.

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