Ratri Bhojan Tyag means giving up eating at night.

In Jain Dharma, it is the vow or practice of not consuming food after sunset and before sunrise. It is followed to support:

• Ahimsa: to avoid harming very small living beings that may be present in food or water at night
• Self-discipline
• Simple and pure living
• Better spiritual practice

Why is it followed?

Jains believe that at night:

• visibility is low, so small living beings may be accidentally harmed
• food and water may contain more subtle living organisms
• eating at night can increase carelessness and attachment

Spiritual importance

Ratri Bhojan Tyag is considered a form of restraint. It helps a person become more mindful, less dependent on sense pleasures, and more aligned with Jain vows.

In simple words

It means: “I will not eat after sunset.”

Some people also avoid:

• eating after dark
• drinking certain kinds of water at night
• preparing food at night

The exact practice may differ slightly in Digambar and Shwetambar traditions, but the main principle is the same: avoiding night-time eating to protect life and strengthen discipline.