Answer

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

Commonly eaten foods include:

• Simple grains such as rice, wheat, roti, khichdi, or plain dal
• Boiled or simple cooked vegetables that are allowed in your tradition
• Milk, curd, ghee, and other permitted dairy items
• Fruits, if followed in your family tradition
• Dry fruits and nuts in moderation
• Simple homemade food without onion, garlic, root vegetables, or heavy spices

Foods Usually Avoided

During Paryushan, Jains avoid:

• Onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, beetroot, radish, and other root vegetables
• Green leafy vegetables in many traditions
• Fermented foods
• Food prepared after sunset
• Stale or leftover food
• Excessively rich, fried, or indulgent food

Explanation

Paryushan is a time of tapasya, simplicity, forgiveness, self-discipline, and spiritual reflection. Food is kept light and sattvic so the mind remains calm and focused on prayer, samayik, pratikraman, swadhyay, and inner purification.

Many people also observe different types of fasting, such as:

• Upvas – complete fast
• Ekasan – one sitting meal
• Beasan – two sitting meals
• Ayambil – very simple food without taste-enhancing items

Takeaway

Eat only what is simple, fresh, vegetarian, non-root, and allowed according to your family or sect tradition. The main purpose of Paryushan food discipline is not taste, but ahimsa, self-control, and purification of the soul.