Answer

During Paryushan, Jains eat food that supports ahimsa, self-control, simplicity, and spiritual awareness.

Commonly avoided foods include:

• Root vegetables such as potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, radish, beetroot, etc.
• Green leafy vegetables in many traditions during Paryushan
• Fermented foods
• Leftover or stale food
• Food after sunset
• Heavy, indulgent, or very spicy foods

Many Jains eat simple foods such as:

• Plain grains like rice, wheat, or roti
• Dal or lentils, if prepared according to family tradition
• Simple cooked vegetables that are permitted
• Milk, curd, ghee, and other dairy items depending on personal and sect practices
• Fruits and dry fruits, if allowed by one’s vow or family practice

Explanation

Paryushan is not mainly about “special food.” It is about reducing attachment to taste and increasing focus on:

• Samayik
• Pratikraman
• Swadhyay
• Tapasya
• Forgiveness
• Inner purification

Some people observe fasting such as:

• Ekasan – eating once in one sitting
• Beasan – eating twice
• Upvas – fasting for the day
• Ayambil – very simple, tasteless food once a day
• Atthai – fasting for eight days

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of food discipline during Paryushan is to practice:

• Ahimsa – minimizing harm to living beings
• Sanyam – control over senses
• Tap – austerity
• Aparigraha – reducing desires

Takeaway

Eat simple, fresh, non-violent food during Paryushan, avoid root vegetables and eating after sunset, and follow the guidance of your family tradition, guru, or Jain sangh. The main goal is not taste, but purity of body, speech, and mind.