Paryushan beyond fasting: The culture of mindful eating

What is Paryushan?
Paryushan is one of the most important festivals for the Jain community. It is a period of deep reflection, discipline, and spiritual cleansing. The festival is not only about observing fasts but also about practicing self-restraint, compassion, and forgiveness. At its core, Paryushan is about aligning one’s lifestyle with principles like non-violence, kindness, discipline, and mindful living. The word “Jain” itself comes from Ja-In, meaning to conquer or have control over one’s senses. This discipline lies at the heart of both fasting and mindful eating.

Who celebrates it?
Paryushan is primarily celebrated by Jains across the world, but its values are not limited to the community alone. People outside Jainism also find meaning in the practices associated with the festival, especially its focus on non-violence, mindful eating, and simplicity. These are universal ideas that resonate beyond religion and can be embraced by anyone seeking balance, compassion, and awareness in daily life.

What foods are allowed?
During Paryushan, meals are prepared with deep consciousness about the harm they may cause to other living beings. Foods that are lighter, plant-based, and non-violent in their preparation are chosen. Green vegetables, lentils, grains, fruits, and pulses become the staples. Eating at fixed times of the day and avoiding indulgence are also emphasized. The goal is not just physical sustenance, but to bring mindfulness and gratitude into every bite. Eating becomes more than nourishment, it becomes an act of spiritual practice.


What foods are forbidden?
A unique aspect of Paryushan is the avoidance of root vegetables such as potatoes, onions, garlic, and carrots. This is because uprooting them destroys the entire plant and disturbs countless microorganisms in the soil. Food after sunset is also avoided, as it reduces the chances of consuming insects that may be invisible in the dark. These practices may seem strict on the surface, but they are deeply practical, rooted in compassion, and aligned with the idea of minimizing harm.

Practices during Paryushan
Paryushan is not only about food restrictions,it is a holistic discipline that touches every part of life. People engage in fasting, meditation, prayer, reading scriptures, and acts of kindness. The emphasis is on self-control, reflecting on one’s actions, and asking for forgiveness. The festival ends with Michhami Dukkadam, a practice of seeking forgiveness from every living being for any harm caused knowingly or unknowingly.


Divya Fofani, digital content creator, believes, “Paryushan for many people (Jain & Non Jain) is about fasting. For many people Jains and Jainism is about not eating onion garlic potatoes and fasting during Paryushan, but it goes way beyond and deeper. Paryushan is based on a lot of principles like non-violence, compassion for every living being big or small, discipline, good deeds and more. Our practices and rituals are based on practicality and Jainism is a way of life rather than a religion. Jain literally translates to Ja-In which means conquering/having control over your senses and fasting is also about that too, about being disciplined, not giving in to your desires and senses and controlling your mind and feeling your soul rather than your mind. Mainly Paryushan is about asking for forgiveness for all the wrong doings you might have done knowingly or unknowingly, cleansing your mind and soul, coming out clean, asking for forgiveness to all the beings, insects, humans & everyone we might have hurt.”

Why mindful eating matters today
What makes Paryushan stand out is how relevant its practices feel in today’s world. Mindful eating, plant-based diets, and sustainability have become popular buzzwords in modern wellness, but these values have been a way of life in Jainism for centuries. Every small choice, whether it is avoiding waste, eating with awareness, or consuming food that minimizes harm has ripple effects on health, society, and the environment. Mindful eating is not just about what is on the plate, but about how we approach food. Eating without distractions, finishing what is served, expressing gratitude before meals, and reflecting on the journey of food from farm to plate are simple ways to bring the spirit of Paryushan into everyday life.

A culture of forgiveness and compassion
The ultimate goal of Paryushan goes beyond diet and fasting. It is about cleansing the mind and heart, letting go of grudges, and practicing forgiveness. When one asks for forgiveness from humans, animals, and even the tiniest beings, it creates a sense of interconnectedness. Eating mindfully ties into this same principle, recognizing that our choices affect others, whether visible or invisible. The culture of mindful eating taught during Paryushan is not meant for eight days alone. It is a reminder that restraint, gratitude, and compassion can shape how we live every day. In a world often defined by excess, Paryushan offers a timeless message: to eat less with more awareness, to live lightly, and to carry kindness into every choice we make.

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