What nuts can you eat during Paryushan?
Short answer: Most plain, dry nuts are permitted during Paryushan if your local maryada allows them, you inspect them for insects, and you take them in a simple way (no frying, no spice, no mixes) within the prescribed time (daytime, with boiled water).
Commonly acceptable when kept simple and clean
- Almonds (badam)
- Cashews (kaju)
- Walnuts (akhrot)
- Pistachios (pista)
- Hazelnuts, pine nuts, chironji (charoli)
- Dry coconut (kopra)
- Makhana/fox nuts
- Edible seeds used like nuts: sesame (til), melon/pumpkin seeds
Follow these Paryushan-specific cautions
- Keep it plain: raw or dry-roasted only; avoid oil, ghee, salt, sugar, masala, coatings, and mixes.
- Fresh/green or moist items are avoided; prefer well-dried, clean nuts.
- Sort and inspect the same day; avoid anything with even slight infestation or fungus.
- Timing: take only within your daily food-time vow; water should be boiled as per your maryada.
- Processing: avoid nut butters, flavored nuts, and confectionery (risk of fermentation/impurities).
About specific items and vows
- Peanuts/groundnuts: Many maryadas avoid them in Paryushan (they grow underground and are infestation-prone). Follow your local guidance.
- Ayambil: generally avoids oily items; most nuts are therefore not taken. Some traditions may allow limited seeds like sesame—only if explicitly permitted by your guru/maryada.
- Upvas (fast): no food. Ekasana/Beasana: nuts can be part of the single meal if allowed locally and kept plain.
Tradition note
- Both Shvetambar Paryushan and Digambar Das Lakshan emphasize aparigraha and asan-viśuddhi (purity of intake). Exact permissions vary by sangh and local maryada. Always follow the guidance of your guru/temple.