Here is a simple, tradition‑faithful guide for Paryushan (Shwetāmbara, 8 days) and Das‑Lakshan (Digambara, 10 days). Aim is minimum hiṁsā, purity, and self‑restraint.

What to strictly avoid

• All underground/root vegetables (kand‑mool): potato, onion, garlic, carrot, beet, radish, yam, sweet potato, turmeric/ginger (fresh or powdered).
• Green leafy vegetables (sāg/patrā): spinach, methi, coriander, mint, curry leaves, lettuce, etc.
• Mushrooms, fungi, yeasts.
• Sprouts (sprouted grains/pulses) and foods likely to harbor many subtle beings.
• Fermented foods: curd/yogurt, buttermilk, kefir, bread/yeast bakery, idli/dosa batter, vinegar, kombucha, fermented pickles.
• Honey; and always no meat/eggs/fish (Jain rule in general).
• Leftovers/stale food; outside/restaurant food of doubtful purity.
• Food and water after sunset (observe choviyār); drink only boiled/filtered water, and only in daylight.

Generally allowed (keep it very simple)

• Grains and flours: rice, wheat, jowar, bajra, semolina, poha.
• Pulses and dals (not sprouted): moong, toor, chana, urad, masoor.
• Non‑root, non‑leafy vegetables: bottle gourd, ash gourd, pumpkin, ridge gourd, tinda, cucumber, tomato, capsicum, okra, etc. (Avoid using any leafy parts.)
• Fruits: usually permitted; choose clean, uninfested fruits; cut fresh and eat promptly.
• Fats and seasonings: ghee and plant oils; rock/sea salt; dry seed‑spices like cumin, coriander seeds, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, hing. (Avoid root‑derived spices like fresh ginger/turmeric.)
• Milk is generally allowed; many keep the vrata stricter by avoiding all fermented milk products and even paneer/cheese.

Notes on traditions

• Shwetāmbara Paryushan (8 days): strong emphasis on “no green leafy” for all days, along with no roots, no fermentation, daylight eating, boiled water, and very simple meals (ekāsan/beyāsan as per vow).
• Digambara Das‑Lakshan (10 days): same spirit, often even simpler (one plain meal a day, boiled water only in daylight); roots/leafy/fermented/sprouted foods are avoided.
• Local saṅgh/guru updeś may add or refine items (e.g., some avoid brinjal and figs due to many seeds). Follow your declared vrata and your guru’s guidance.

Essence

• Eat less, only in daylight.
• No roots, no leaves, no fermentation.
• Keep food pure, plain, and non‑violent; use the saved time for pratikraman, svādhyāy, dhyān, and kṣamā.

Helpful, easy checklists:

• What can’t be eaten in Paryushan
• What foods are allowed in Paryushan
• Food items allowed (quick list)