Upwas in Jain Dharma means fully abstaining from food and usually also from water for a fixed period, done with purity of mind, speech, and body.

In Jain practice, upwas is not only fasting of the body, but also:

• control of desires,
• reduction of attachment,
• increased prayer, repentance, and meditation,
• practice of ahimsa, sanyam, and tapas.

It is often observed on sacred days such as:

• Paryushan
• Ayambil Ol
• other vrat and tapas observances

There are different levels of fasting in Jain tradition, such as:

• Upwas: no food, and generally no water
• Ekasana: one meal in a day
• Biyasana: two meals in a day
• Ayambil: bland food without taste-enhancing items

The spiritual purpose of upwas is to weaken karmic bondage and strengthen self-discipline.