Answer

In Jain Dharma, during Parana — the breaking of a fast — one should eat simple, light, and Jain-appropriate food.

Common foods taken in Parana include:

• Boiled water first, if suitable
• Simple khichdi
• Moong dal
• Rice
• Plain roti
• Light shaak made without root vegetables
• Milk or curd, if allowed in your family/tradition and suitable for health
• Ghee in small quantity, if suitable

Explanation

Parana should not be done with heavy, spicy, fried, or very rich food. After fasting, the body should be treated gently.

Avoid:

• Heavy fried food
• Very spicy food
• Root vegetables such as potato, onion, garlic, carrot, etc.
• Overeating
• Food prepared carelessly or against Jain rules

Spiritual Understanding

Parana is not just “eating after fasting.” It is done with humility, awareness, and gratitude. The purpose of fasting is self-control, purification, and reducing attachment to taste. So Parana should also be done calmly and with restraint.

Takeaway

For Parana, take simple, light, non-root, Jain food in moderation. If you are following a specific tap such as Upvas, Ayambil, Ekasana, Beasana, Attham, or Varshitap, follow the guidance of your guru, family tradition, or Jain sangh.