Answer

Yes, you can eat modak during Paryushan only if it is prepared according to Jain food rules followed during Paryushan.

Explanation

During Paryushan, Jains avoid foods that involve more harm to living beings and foods that increase attachment or carelessness.

A modak may be acceptable if:

• It is made without root vegetables.
• It is freshly prepared.
• It does not contain prohibited ingredients according to your family or sampraday tradition.
• It is eaten before sunset.
• It does not break any personal vow, fast, ekasana, biyasana, upvas, or ayambil.

However, if the modak contains ingredients like stored coconut, mawa/khoya, fermented items, or anything your tradition avoids during Paryushan, then it should be avoided.

Spiritual Understanding

Paryushan is a time for sanyam, simplicity, tapasya, and inner purification. Even if a food is technically allowed, one should ask: “Does this support my restraint and spiritual focus?”

Takeaway

If you are not fasting and the modak is Jain-friendly, fresh, and within your vows, it may be eaten. But during Paryushan, simpler food is spiritually better.