Here’s a simple, authentic checklist of the most important things to do during Paryushan (for both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions):

Core daily practices

• Ahimsā in thought, word, and deed; be extra careful toward all living beings.
• Pratikraman every day; on the last day do the full Samvatsari (Śvetāmbara) or Kshamāvani focus (Digambara).
• Samayik, prārthanā, and quiet meditation; chant the Namokār Mantra with devotion.
• Svādhyāy: listen to pravachan and study scriptures (Śvetāmbara: Kalpasūtra readings; both: Tattvārtha-sūtra and other texts).
• Tap (austerity) as per capacity: upavās, ekāsan/bēsan, āyambil, attham, atthai, etc.; keep maryādā and take pachkhan properly.
• Satya, Aparigraha, Brahmacharya, and Sanyam in conduct; restrain senses, speech, and activities.

Food–water discipline

• No food or drink after sunset; drink only filtered/boiled water in daylight.
• Avoid root vegetables and fermented foods; many observe no green leafy vegetables these days.
• Keep cooking minimal; prefer simple, sāttvik preparations made with care to avoid himsā.

Forgiveness and repentance

• Do alochanā (self-confession), pratyākhyān (resolutions), and kṣamāpanā (seeking forgiveness).
• On the concluding day: say “Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṁ” (Śvetāmbara Samvatsari) or observe Kshamāvani (Digambara), asking and granting forgiveness to all.

Temple and community observances

• Attend pravachan, pūjā, abhiṣek, and community pratikraman with humility and attention.
• Serve sādhus–sādhvīs/munis–āryikās respectfully; support panjrapol and jeev-dayā (care for beings); practice dāna discreetly.

Lifestyle restraint for these days

• Reduce business, travel, socializing, and entertainment; keep the environment calm and clean.
• Guard against krodh, mān, māyā, lobh (anger, pride, deceit, greed); cultivate maitri (friendliness) and upekṣā (equanimity).

Distinct notes by tradition

• Śvetāmbara: 8 days, climax is Samvatsari Pratikraman and universal forgiveness.
• Digambara (Das-Lakshan Parva): 10 days, each day centers on one supreme virtue—Uttam Kshamā, Mārdava, Ārjava, Shauch, Satya, Sanyam, Tap, Tyāg, Akinchan, Brahmacharya—reflect on and practice the day’s virtue sincerely.

Helpful guides from JainKnowledge

• Dos and Don’ts in Paryushan
• What to eat during the 8 days
• Importance of each day (incl. Das-Lakshan overview)
• Rules during fasts in Paryushan
• Why Paryushan is celebrated (essence and goals)

May these days bring true self-purification, right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct. Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṁ.