Answer

During Paryushan, Jains observe stricter discipline than normal daily life. Many things that may be commonly done at other times are avoided or reduced during these days to support ahimsa, self-control, repentance, and spiritual purification.

Commonly avoided during Paryushan:

• Eating after sunset
• Root vegetables such as potato, onion, garlic, carrot, beetroot, etc.
• Green vegetables in many families/traditions, especially on certain days
• Fruits with many seeds or foods considered to involve more subtle life forms, depending on family practice
• Fermented foods, stale food, and foods prepared long before eating
• Outside food or restaurant food
• Unnecessary travel and entertainment
• Anger, arguments, gossip, harsh speech, lying, and criticism
• Business or worldly activities may be reduced where possible
• Luxury, indulgence, and overeating
• Careless use of water, fire, electricity, and resources

Many Jains also take extra vows such as Upvas, Ekasan, Beasan, Ayambil, Samayik, Pratikraman, and more regular scripture listening.

Explanation

Paryushan is not only about food restrictions. It is mainly a time for:

• Ahimsa — reducing harm to living beings
• Sanyam — controlling desires and habits
• Tap — practicing austerity
• Pratikraman — repentance for mistakes
• Kshamapana — asking forgiveness

So even if something is normally allowed in household life, during Paryushan one tries to live more carefully, simply, and spiritually.

Important Note

Practices vary by tradition, family, sect, health, age, and personal capacity. For example:

• Śvetāmbara Jains commonly observe Paryushan for 8 days.
• Digambara Jains observe Das Lakshan Parva for 10 days.
• Food rules may differ from family to family.

One should follow the guidance of one’s guru, family tradition, and health condition.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of avoiding these things is not punishment. It is to make the soul lighter by reducing attachment, carelessness, violence, and passions.

Paryushan teaches:

• Eat less, think more.
• Speak less, reflect more.
• Harm less, forgive more.
• Live simply, turn inward.

Takeaway

During Paryushan, Jains avoid extra violence, indulgence, careless speech, and unnecessary worldly activities. The main goal is inner purification, repentance, forgiveness, and greater ahimsa.