Answer

During Navpad Oli, Jains usually eat very simple, non-tasty, non-spicy food known as Āyambil.

In Āyambil, one generally eats:

• Plain boiled grains such as rice, wheat, barley, or millet
• Plain boiled pulses such as moong, chana, or other lentils
• Food prepared without taste-enhancing ingredients
• One meal in the day, eaten with simplicity and restraint

Generally avoided during Āyambil:

• Salt
• Sugar or jaggery
• Ghee, oil, butter, milk, curd, and other dairy items
• Spices and masalas
• Fruits, vegetables, dry fruits, and rich foods
• Fried or tasty foods

Explanation

Navpad Oli is observed for devotion to the Navpad:

• Arihant
• Siddha
• Acharya
• Upadhyay
• Sadhu
• Samyag Darshan
• Samyag Gyan
• Samyag Charitra
• Samyag Tap

The food during Navpad Oli is intentionally kept plain so that the mind becomes calm and detached from taste. The focus is not on eating, but on tapasya, prayer, self-control, and spiritual reflection.

Spiritual Understanding

Āyambil teaches us to reduce attachment to taste and comfort. By eating simple food, one practices restraint over the senses and strengthens inner discipline.

Takeaway

During Navpad Oli, eat simple Āyambil food according to your tradition and capacity. If you are unsure about exact rules, it is best to ask your local Jain guru, sadhu-sadhviji, or knowledgeable elder, because practices may differ slightly by tradition.