Here is the simple, traditional Jain way to break a fast (parna). Follow as per your own Shwetambar or Digambar maryada and your health.

1) Inner preparation

• Sit quietly. Recite Navkar Mantra.
• Do kshamapana: mentally ask forgiveness from all beings (Khamemi Savve Jiva).
• If possible, do a short samayik or pratikraman before parna.
• Decide your next small vow (pachchakkhan), e.g., care in eating, no night-eating, etc.

2) Correct time (parna-kaal)

• Do parna only within the prescribed parna time announced by your temple/panchang.
• Generally after sunrise and never at night.
• If you did a long fast (attham/atthai/masakshaman), strictly follow the announced parna window.

3) How to begin eating

• Start gently: take a few sips of boiled water (lukewarm). Pause and check comfort.
• Next, take something very light and simple:

- thin rice gruel (pej/kanji), or - moong broth (without spice/oil), or - plain khichdi (very soft and mild).

• Eat slowly, in small portions, seated calmly. Stop before you feel full.

4) What to avoid initially

• Fried, sour, very spicy, or heavy foods.
• Very cold drinks.
• Overeating after a long fast.

5) After parna

• Offer gratitude (bhavna of santoṣa and maitri).
• If you ended a special fast like ayambil, keep the food simple that day; return to regular food gradually.
• Take a fresh pachchakkhan for careful conduct (ahimsa, careful speech, care in movement, and food discipline).

Notes by tradition

• Shwetambar: Commonly begin with boiled water, then light foods as above; follow the local sangh’s parna timings.
• Digambar: Parna is also only in day-time within fixed kaal; begin with boiled water and very simple food; observe strict care (apramatta) and avoid night-eating.

Health care

• If the fast was long or you feel weak, take even smaller quantities and rest.
• If you have a medical condition, follow your doctor’s advice while keeping Jain maryada.

May your tapas bear right knowledge and inner peace.