During Paryushan, food is kept very simple, pure, and non‑violent (ahimsak). The aim is to reduce harm to even the tiniest life-forms and support pratikraman, samayik, and fasting.

Core guidance

• Eat fresh, simple, sattvik food made the same day.
• Do not eat after sunset. Many take only one meal a day; follow the pachchakkhān (vow) you have taken.
• Drink only boiled-and-cooled, filtered water during daylight.

Avoid (kānd-mūl and more)

• All root/underground items: potato, onion, garlic, carrot, beet, radish, turnip, sweet potato, yam, ginger, turmeric, etc.
• Green leafy vegetables are commonly avoided by many during these days.
• Fermented or high-microbe foods: yogurt/curd, buttermilk, idli/dosa batter, vinegar, alcohol, kombucha, etc.
• Honey (harms many tiny beings), mushrooms, sprouts (high life-forms), stale/leftover or canned foods.
• Very spicy, oily, or rich foods; avoid excitement and indulgence.

Generally allowed

• Grains and flours not from roots: wheat, rice, millet, semolina; rotis, khichdi, plain dal.
• Non-root vegetables that grow above ground: bottle gourd (lauki), ridge gourd (turai), pumpkin, cucumber, tomatoes, capsicum, beans, peas, etc. (as per your family/guru’s guidance).
• Simple pulses/legumes: moong, masoor, chana dal (well-cooked).
• Milk and simple milk preparations made fresh (many avoid curd/buttermilk due to fermentation).
• Fresh fruits and nuts (whole; avoid cutting after sunset).
• Mild, non-root spices and rock salt; avoid hing if it contains wheat/gluten or is doubtful.

Easy one-day sample (adjust to your vow)

• Morning: Boiled warm water; if taking, a small portion of soaked almonds or a banana.
• Midday main meal (before sunset): Plain rice with moong dal, steamed lauki/pumpkin vegetable with minimal spices, one roti, a small fruit.
• Evening: Boiled water only; no food after sunset.

Tradition notes

• Shvetāmbara: Paryushan is 8 days; many keep above rules throughout, culminating in Samvatsari Pratikraman and forgiveness (Kshamāpanā).
• Digambara: Das Lakshan is 10 days with the same spirit of restraint; many keep boiled water only in daylight and observe even stricter simplicity.

Practical tips

• Plan a short, repeatable menu; avoid elaborate cooking.
• Buy fresh produce daily; avoid anything bruised or stored long.
• Filter water with a clean cloth; keep a separate, labeled boiled-water pot.
• When in doubt, follow your acharya/sadhu-sadhvi’s instructions and the pachchakkhān you have taken at your upāshray/derāsar.

May your Paryushan be filled with samyaktva, pratikraman, and kshamā. Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṁ.