Answer

Chauvihar is a Jain practice of completely avoiding all food and water after sunset until sunrise.

It means:

• No food
• No water
• No fruits or snacks
• No tea, milk, or any drink

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, eating or drinking after sunset is avoided because many tiny living beings become more active or may enter food and water in darkness. By observing Chauvihar, a person practices greater care in Ahimsa — non-violence.

Chauvihar is commonly observed:

• Daily by many devout Jains
• During Paryushan and other holy days
• During tapasya such as fasting
• Before Pratikraman or spiritual observances

Spiritual Understanding

Chauvihar is not only a food rule. It is a discipline of self-control, awareness, and compassion. It helps reduce attachment to taste and bodily comfort, while increasing spiritual focus.

Takeaway

Chauvihar means living with restraint after sunset by not eating or drinking, as a practice of Ahimsa, discipline, and spiritual purification in Jain Dharma.