Answer

After completing an Athai (8-day fast), Parna is usually done on the 9th day in the morning, after sunrise, in a peaceful and religious manner.

The exact process may vary by family tradition, Sangh, and guidance of your Guru Maharaj/Sadhviji, but the general Jain practice is:

• Do Navkar Mantra and remember Arihant Bhagwan, Siddha Bhagwan, Guru Bhagwant, and Dharma.
• Take blessings of Guru Bhagwant, elders, and family if possible.
• Do Parna with a suitable simple food or drink, commonly such as boiled water, jaggery water, or another light item according to your tradition.
• Eat very slowly and in small quantity.
• Avoid heavy, oily, spicy, fried, or difficult-to-digest food immediately after Athai.
• Maintain humility, gratitude, and spiritual awareness.

Explanation

Parna means respectfully ending the fast. Since Athai is a very serious tapasya, the body becomes weak and digestion becomes delicate. Therefore, the first intake after Athai should be light and controlled.

Commonly, people begin with a small amount of liquid or very light food, then gradually return to normal food over time. One should not overeat just because the fast is complete.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, Parna is not merely “breaking a fast.” It is done with:

• Gratitude for being able to complete tapasya
• Humility, without pride
• Bhavna of karma nirjara
• Respect for the discipline of fasting

The spiritual fruit of Athai increases when Parna is done with calmness, restraint, and right intention.

Takeaway

Do Parna gently, with Navkar Mantra, devotion, and very light intake. For the exact item and timing, follow your Guru Bhagwant’s guidance and your family/Sangh tradition.