Here are simple, tradition‑aligned tips to follow the day before Upvās (fast). They work for both Shwetāmbara and Digambara traditions; where a practice differs, I’ve noted it.

1) Decide the type of Upvās

• Nirjal/Tivihār (no food, no water) – more common in Digambara.
• Panihār/Sajal (no food; only boiled, cooled water during daylight) – common in Shwetāmbara; some do strictly nirjal.
• If unsure, ask your local maryādā and plan accordingly.

Helpful: Upvās pachkhan options , Tivihār Upvās pachkhan , Panahār Upvās pachkhan

2) Keep the evening meal very simple and before sunset

• Take light, freshly cooked Jain food; avoid heavy, oily, fermented items.
• Finish eating well before sunset (chovihār). This prepares body and supports ahiṁsā.

More on chovihār before Upvās

3) Water arrangements (for those who will take water)

• Boil, cool, and strain water before sunset; store covered.
• Plan fixed timings for boiled water only during daylight next day.

Guide for “water‑only” Upvās

4) Do śrāvak dharma practices in the evening

• Navkār mantra, sāmāyik or short pratikraman, kṣamāpanā (seek forgiveness at home).
• Reduce krodh, mān, māyā, lobh; sleep early with śubh‑bhāv.

5) Plan your Pachchakkhān (Pachkhan)

• The formal vow is taken before sunrise on the Upvās day (after morning pratikraman, as per maryādā).
• A day before, set your inner saṅkalp and get the correct wording ready.

When to take Pachkhan | Simple Upvās Pachkhan

6) Prepare for ahiṁsā and apramāda

• Keep kitchen and filters clean; cover food/water; avoid night eating.
• Arrange next‑day schedule to avoid unnecessary travel, crowds, or tasks that may increase himsā or kashāyas.

7) Body care with right bhāv

• Rest well; avoid late‑night screens and stimulation.
• If you have medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, pregnancy), follow your guru’s guidance and medical advice; choose an appropriate vrata (e.g., ekāsan/ayambil instead of nirjal) without harming the body.

8) Keep next day’s dharmic routine ready

• Place māntra books/beads, pratikraman book, and a clean place for sādhana.
• If breaking fast the following day, plan to do it with śuddha bhojan and proper pachkhan.

Notes on traditions

• Digambara: Upvās is generally nirjal for the fasting day; great emphasis on apramattatā and restraint.
• Shwetāmbara: Many observe Upvās with boiled water in daylight hours; some choose nirjal. Both traditions avoid night eating the previous evening.

For breaking/finishing Upvās with proper vow: Pachkhan to complete Upvās

May your Upvās be with pure bhāv, self‑restraint, and ahiṁsā.