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What can’t we eat in paryushan
During Paryushan, food is kept very simple to practice ahimsa and self‑restraint. Common things you should not eat:
- Root vegetables (kandmool): potato, onion, garlic, carrot, beet, radish, etc.
- Green leafy vegetables (saag): spinach, methi, coriander, lettuce, etc.
- Raw vegetables and salads (many avoid them these days).
- Fermented items: curd/yogurt, buttermilk, cheese, yeast breads, idli, dosa, vinegar, alcohol.
- Sprouted grains/beans and highly micro‑life foods (e.g., sprouts).
- Honey, eggs, and all non‑vegetarian foods (always prohibited in Jain dharma).
- Stale/leftover food, outside/packaged food of doubtful purity.
- Anything after sunset; only boiled/filtered water, and only during daylight.
Notes on traditions
- Shwetambar (8 days Paryushan): generally avoid all green and root vegetables; many limit to grains/pulses, dry fruits, and boiled water in daylight.
- Digambar (Das‑Lakshan, 10 days): same or stricter; often one simple meal a day, boiled water only in daylight; roots/greens/fermented/sprouted foods avoided.
- Local customs vary: some families also avoid “new grains” (navanna) like corn during these days.
For simple guides and lists, see:
