Answer

During Paryushan, Chovihar means stopping all food and water before sunset and not eating or drinking again until sunrise the next day.

The general rule is:

• Finish food and water before sunset
• Ideally finish a little earlier, so there is no doubt about timing
• After Chovihar, avoid food, water, mouth fresheners, medicines unless necessary, tea, milk, etc.

Explanation

The exact Chovihar timing changes daily because sunset time depends on your city and date.

A safe practice during Paryushan is to complete Chovihar around:

• 30 to 48 minutes before sunset, if possible
• At minimum, before actual sunset according to your local Jain calendar or sangh timing

Many Jain sanghs announce daily Paryushan timings for:

• Chovihar
• Pratikraman
• Samvatsari Pratikraman
• Tapasya-related schedules

Spiritual Understanding

Chovihar is not only a timing rule; it is a practice of:

• Ahimsa — reducing harm to minute living beings
• Sanyam — self-control
• Tap — spiritual discipline
• Jagruti — awareness before eating or drinking

During Paryushan, observing Chovihar helps strengthen purity of conduct and supports deeper repentance, restraint, and inner reflection.

Takeaway

For Paryushan Chovihar, finish all food and water before local sunset, preferably earlier. For the exact time, follow your local Jain sangh or Jain calendar, because timings vary by location and date.