In Jain Dharma, the kartavya (spiritual duties) of men and women during Paryushan are the same. The soul is beyond gender, so both follow the same path of repentance, restraint, and forgiveness. Here is a simple, tradition‑faithful guide.

Core daily kartavya (for everyone)

• Ahimsa in thought, word, and deed: utmost care to avoid harm to even the smallest life; speak softly; avoid anger and arguments.
• Samayik (48 minutes of equanimity) at least once daily; more if possible.
• Pratikraman every evening (and morning if you can): alochana (confession), pratyakhyan (firm resolve to avoid faults), and kshamapana (seeking forgiveness).
• Svadhyaya: study of Jain scriptures; listen to pravachans; reflect on right faith, right knowledge, right conduct.
• Tap (austerities) according to capacity: the 12 tapas are encouraged—fasting (anashan), eating less (unodari), limiting intake/means (vritti‑sankshep), giving up tastes (ras‑tyag), bodily endurance (kaya‑klesh), contemplation/renunciation (pratisankhyana), plus inner penances like prayschitta, vinay, vaiyavritya (seva), svadhyaya, vyutsarga, dhyan.
• Food discipline: no night‑eating; filter water; avoid green/violent foods as per tradition; simplicity and mindfulness at every step.
• Sense‑restraint and celibacy: reduce indulgence, guard the senses, observe brahmacharya as per your vows.
• Dana and seva: offer respectful assistance to sadhus‑sadhvis and support Jain causes without pride.
• Maitri and kshama: cultivate friendship, humility, and forgiveness toward all.

Special observances by tradition

• Shvetambar: 8 days of Paryushan focusing on repentance and restraint; daily Kalpasutra listening; Samvatsari Pratikraman on the last day with universal forgiveness—“Michhami Dukkadam.”
• Digambar: observe the 10 days of Das‑Lakshan Parva highlighting the ten virtues (Uttam kshama, mardav, arjav, shauch, satya, samyam, tapa, tyag, akinchanya, brahmacharya). Forgiveness Day (Kshamavani) is observed at the close.

Helpful, practical conduct at home (for all, irrespective of gender)

• Keep the home satvik and peaceful: reduce entertainment, gossip, and unnecessary outings.
• Simplicity in meals and routine: plan in advance so that fasting and food‑discipline are non‑violent and hassle‑free.
• Speak truthfully and gently; avoid criticism; settle past grievances with “khamemi savva jive.”
• Limit possessions and desires during the festival; donate discreetly.
• Maintain cleanliness, devotion, and punctuality for samayik/pratikraman/pravachan.

Final day duty

• Offer and seek unconditional forgiveness from all beings—personally and universally. Say “Michhami Dukkadam” (Shvetambar) or observe Kshamavani (Digambar) with true inner repentance.

May Paryushan/Das‑Lakshan awaken right vision, right knowledge, and right conduct in all.