Answer

During Paryushan, Jains usually eat simple, pure, and non-violent food that supports self-control, repentance, and spiritual focus.

Common foods eaten during Paryushan include:

• Simple grains like rice, wheat, roti, or khichdi
• Cooked pulses and dal, depending on family tradition
• Non-root vegetables, if allowed in your tradition
• Fruits, if your vrata permits
• Milk, curd, and simple dairy items, if allowed
• Boiled water, usually consumed within the permitted time

What is generally avoided?

During Paryushan, Jains commonly avoid:

• Root vegetables such as potato, onion, garlic, carrot, radish, beetroot, etc.
• Green leafy vegetables, in many traditions
• Fermented foods
• Stale or leftover food
• Food prepared after sunset
• Eating at night
• Highly spicy, rich, or indulgent food

Explanation

The main idea of Paryushan food is not just “what to eat,” but how to reduce attachment to taste. Food should be:

• Simple
• Fresh
• Limited
• Prepared with care and compassion
• Consumed with awareness

Many people also observe different levels of tapasya, such as:

• Ekasana – eating once a day in one sitting
• Beasana – eating twice a day
• Ayambil – very simple tasteless food
• Upvas – fasting
• Atthai – eight-day fast, for those who are able

Spiritual Understanding

Paryushan is a time for inner purification. By eating less and eating simply, we reduce greed, anger, attachment, and carelessness. The goal is to become more mindful, compassionate, and closer to the soul’s pure nature.

Takeaway

During Paryushan, eat simple, fresh, non-root, non-violent food, avoid indulgence, and follow the guidance of your family tradition, Jain sangh, or guru.