Answer

During Paryushan, it is best to eat sweets that are simple, fresh, vegetarian, and made without root vegetables.

Common sweets many Jains may eat during Paryushan include:

• Sukhdi / Gol Papdi – made with wheat flour, ghee, and jaggery
• Sheera / Halwa – made with wheat flour or semolina, ghee, and sugar
• Lapsi – made with broken wheat, ghee, and jaggery or sugar
• Kheer – if milk is acceptable in your family tradition
• Dry fruit sweets – without dates if your tradition avoids them, and without any restricted ingredients
• Coconut barfi – if freshly made and allowed in your household practice

Important Avoidances

During Paryushan, avoid sweets containing:

• Root vegetables such as potato, carrot, beetroot, sweet potato
• Onion or garlic
• Eggs or gelatin
• Honey
• Fermented ingredients
• Stale or overnight food, especially if your family follows strict Paryushan rules
• Bakery items if ingredients are unclear

Spiritual Understanding

Paryushan is a time for self-control, simplicity, forgiveness, and purification. So even if a sweet is technically allowed, it is better to eat it in moderation and avoid overeating or indulgence.

Takeaway

Fresh homemade sweets like sukhdi, lapsi, sheera, and simple barfi are generally suitable, as long as they follow your Jain family or sect’s Paryushan food rules. If unsure, ask your local Jain guru, elder, or temple practice.