Answer

In Paryushan, many Jains avoid tomato and green chilli, especially those following stricter dietary discipline.

• Tomato: Commonly avoided by many during Paryushan because it is often treated as unsuitable for this sacred period due to its seeds and food-discipline practices.
• Green chilli: Also commonly avoided by many because it is considered stimulating and may increase passion, irritation, or attachment to taste.

Explanation

During Paryushan, the aim is to reduce violence, attachment, taste-desire, and carelessness in food. So many people follow a simpler diet and avoid items like:

• Root vegetables
• Green leafy vegetables
• Fermented foods
• Very spicy foods
• Foods with many seeds or high chances of small life forms

Rules can vary by family, sect, temple, and level of observance. Some households may allow tomato or green chilli, while stricter households avoid them completely during Paryushan.

Spiritual Understanding

Paryushan is not only about “what not to eat,” but about practicing:

• Ahimsa — non-violence
• Sanyam — self-control
• Tap — austerity
• Simple food — reducing attachment to taste

Takeaway

If your family or sangh follows strict Paryushan rules, it is better to avoid tomato and green chilli. If unsure, follow your guru, temple, or family tradition respectfully.