Here’s how a 3‑day Jain fast is traditionally understood and practiced.

Name and intent

• This is called Attham (three continuous days of upavās). The aim is to reduce passions (kashāy), cultivate self‑restraint, and deepen devotion.

What it generally includes

• Food: No solid food for all three days.
• Water:

- Shwetambar tradition: only boiled water, taken during daylight hours; none after sunset. - Digambar tradition: many observe it nirjal (no water). Some local Digambar practices allow very limited boiled water in daytime—follow your ācārya/pravartak’s guidance.

Basic discipline each day

• Before starting (previous evening): take pachchhakhān (a clear vow) before sunset; keep last meal simple and sattvik.
• Daily during the fast:

- Samayik at least once (ideally twice). - Pratikraman daily (devāsī/raiyā). If full pratikraman isn’t possible, do alochanā and pratikraman sutras you know. - Japa: Navkar Mantra, Logassa, or your guru’s prescribed stavan; do svādhyāy (scripture study) and dhyān. - Observe mauna for some time; avoid gadgets, anger, and idle talk. - Boiled water (if allowed) only between sunrise and sunset; measure and limit sips.

• Night: no water; rest, jap, or quiet reading.

Parṇā (breaking the fast) on Day 4

• Do parṇā after sunrise within the proper parṇā‑kāl per your local tradition.
• Begin with a little warm boiled water. Then take very light, simple food (small quantity), eaten mindfully. Avoid heavy, oily, or spicy items that day.
• Offer prabhāvanā/dāna according to your capacity and seek kshamā (forgiveness).

Health and safety

• If you have any medical condition, are on medication, pregnant, elderly, or underage, take your ācārya’s permission and a doctor’s advice first.
• Listen to the body; if dizziness or distress arises, end the fast respectfully with proper parṇā rather than risking harm. Non‑violence (ahimsā) includes care of your own body.

Merit (spiritual focus)

• Attham helps weaken karma through samyam (restraint), prārthanā (devotion), and svādhyāy. Keep the mind in Navkar, compassion, and forgiveness throughout.

Note on traditions

• Shwetambar and Digambar practices share the same spirit, but specific rules (especially about water and ritual sequence) may differ. Follow the maryādā of your own sangh and guidance of your guru.