Answer

During Paryushan, Jain Dharma encourages a person to practice greater restraint, purity, self-control, and inner reflection. Therefore, kissing and making out are generally not considered appropriate during Paryushan, especially for those observing the festival sincerely.

Explanation

Paryushan is a sacred time focused on:

• Self-discipline
• Control over desires
• Forgiveness
• Pratikraman
• Tapasya
• Spiritual purification

Physical intimacy such as kissing or making out increases attachment, passion, and sensual desire. In Jain ethics, reducing rāga — attachment and passion — is an important spiritual goal, especially during holy days.

For householders, Jain Dharma does not demand the same complete celibacy as monks and nuns. However, during sacred observances like Paryushan, many Jains voluntarily practice extra restraint, including avoiding sexual or sensual activity.

Spiritual Understanding

Paryushan is not only about avoiding certain foods or doing rituals. It is about calming the mind and reducing passions like desire, anger, ego, greed, and attachment.

So even if something is not “forbidden” in the same way for every householder, the better spiritual approach during Paryushan is to avoid sensual indulgence and use that time for devotion, reflection, forgiveness, and self-control.

Takeaway

It is best to avoid kissing and making out during Paryushan. Practicing restraint during these days helps strengthen self-control and supports the true purpose of Paryushan.