Answer

The difference is mainly about what is allowed during the upvas:

• Panahar Upvas: Upvas where a person may take only permitted liquids, depending on the vow and tradition.
• Chovihar Upvas: A stricter upvas in which one does not take any food or water for the decided period.

Explanation

Panahar generally means taking only certain liquids, such as boiled water or other permitted drinks, according to one’s tradition, health, and the specific vow taken.

Chovihar means giving up all four types of intake:

• Ashan – food that is eaten
• Pan – liquids that are drunk
• Khadim – items that are chewed
• Swadim – items that are tasted or licked

So, in a Chovihar Upvas, even water is not taken.

Spiritual Understanding

Both are forms of tapasya and self-control. Panahar Upvas is milder, while Chovihar Upvas is more intense and requires stronger discipline.

Takeaway

Panahar Upvas allows limited permitted liquids, while Chovihar Upvas means complete renunciation of food and water during the upvas.