Paryushan Parv meal plan: Simple menu choices to observe the Jain festival

New Delhi: Paryushan is one of the most important festivals for the Jain community in India and beyond. It is a time for reflection and abstinence, with many people observing a ritual fast to cleanse their bodies. In India, festivals and food are closely connected, strengthening the bonds of happiness and unity.

Paryushan is observed during the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapad month according to the Hindu calendar. It is one of the most important Jain religious observances of the year. Shvetambaras celebrate it for eight days, while Digambaras extend it to ten days. This time is devoted to study, contemplation, and inner purification. During the monsoon season in India, Jain monks and nuns stop their usual travelling and stay within a community. The term “Paryushan” means “abiding” or “coming together.” Monastic members offer spiritual guidance and teachings to their disciples during this period.

This year, it falls between 31 August 2024 and 7 September 2024, marking a period of peace, fasting, and prayer for Jains worldwide. Explore simple meal options for Paryushan Parv with our easy menu plan, ideal for observing the Jain festival with suitable dishes.

What do people eat on Paryushan?

Paryushan is primarily a time for ritual fasting, but people’s dietary practices can vary. Some people refrain from eating altogether and only drink boiled water, a practice known as athai. Others avoid green leafy vegetables, fruits—especially lemons—and refined flour. Root and underground vegetables are also avoided. During this period, milk and milk products, rice, lentils, cereals, and pulses are commonly eaten. Meals should be consumed between sunrise and sunset. Since Paryushan aims to cleanse the soul, the food during this time remains simple, with individuals being mindful of their intake.

Paryushan meal plan for 7 days

Food habits during Paryushan can vary between families and are influenced by individual capacities. The goal is to minimise harm to plant life. Here is curated a special meal plan with numerous options for Paryushan.

Day 1

Option 1:

Breakfast: Pancakes, Soaked nuts, Kesar doodh
Lunch: Papad churi paratha, Podi rice, Chilla raita
Dinner: Dahi puri, Rajma rice burrito

Option 2:

Breakfast: Idli with dry coconut chutney, Yoghurt with granola
Lunch: Roti with white matar sabzi, Mogar sabzi, Curd rice, Garam dahi
Dinner: Dosa, Tiffin sambar, Hummus with khakra

Option 3:

Breakfast: Besan cheela with dry coconut chutney
Lunch: Roti, Gatte ki sabzi, Gatte ka pulao, Boondi raita
Dinner: Paneer bhurji wraps with homemade mayonnaise, Masala doodh, Cold coffee

Day 2

Option 1:

Breakfast: Chia pudding, Date milkshake
Lunch: Jawar khichdi, Jaggery paratha, Yellow moong dal soup
Dinner: Sev puri, Paneer ravioli in white sauce

Option 2:

Breakfast: Bajri kheech, Moong khakra, Kheechu
Lunch: Daal baati churma, Dahi semiya
Dinner: Kadhi chawal, Papad churi, Aglio olio

Option 3:

Breakfast: Idli batter khaman, Daliya with milk
Lunch: Chole, Puri, Jeera rice, Panchmel daal
Dinner: White sauce pasta, Rajma pulao, High-protein kala channa dosa

Day 3

Option 1:

Breakfast: Waffles with chocolate sauce
Lunch: Besan pudi, Paneer fried rice
Dinner: Paneer rice paper rolls, Cheese paratha with homemade cheese

Option 2:

Breakfast: Kasuri methi thepla, Podi idly
Lunch: Roti, Pithod sabzi, Mitha chawal, Dahi vada
Dinner: Paneer momos, Besan paratha, Paneer tikka

Option 3:

Breakfast: Moong dal dosa, Peanut chutney, Lapsi
Lunch: Roti, Ker sangri, Curd rice, Shrikand
Dinner: Dal pakwan, Khichdi khadi, Chawal pudi

Day 4

Option 1:

Breakfast: Ragi choco bomb, Dry fruit milkshake
Lunch: Rajma paneer pulao, Boondi raita, Fryums
Dinner: Khandvi bites, Moong and sangri tacos, Almond soup

Option 2:

Breakfast: Chawal dhokla, Rava dosa
Lunch: Puranpoli, Aamti tamarind rice
Dinner: Daal dhokli, Katori chaat, Daal shorba, Paneer tawa pulao

Option 3:

Breakfast: Poha, Kadai masala pudi, Dahi
Lunch: Roti, Dried green peas sabzi, Mogar daal chawal
Dinner: Paneer paratha, Rava idli, Chutney, Bhel puri

Day 5

Option 1:

Breakfast: Ragi rava dosa, Sukhi chutney, Rose milk
Lunch: Tawa pudi, Chawal kheer, Chana daal pulao
Dinner: Thatte idli, Paneer chole tikki, Fried roti chaat

Option 2:

Breakfast: Ker, Besan methi, Upma chutney, Gud ka sira
Lunch: Roti, Matki daal kadhi, Sabzi, Semiya kheer
Dinner: Rajma paneer quesadilla, Pakodi khadi rice

Option 3:

Breakfast: Mix daal dosa, Chutney
Lunch: Daal makhni, Jeera rice, Urad daal pudi
Dinner: Sambar vada, One-pot rasam rice, Khakra, Hung curd dip

Day 6

Option 1:

Breakfast: Instant sooji uthappam, Namak mirchi pudi
Lunch: Oats curd rice, Daal dhokli, Lassi
Dinner: Loaded nachos with cheese sauce, Paneer tikka frankie

Option 2:

Breakfast: Podi uthappam, Chutney
Lunch: Paneer white gravy, Paratha, Curd rice
Dinner: Herbed rice with rajma, White sauce, Bangalore masala poori

Option 3:

Breakfast: Makhai ghaat, Khaman dhokla
Lunch: Kabuli channa gravy, Laccha paratha, Dry fruit pulao
Dinner: Papad paneer spring roll, Pani puri, Rajma cutlet, Mexican rice

Day 7

Option 1:

Breakfast: Podi dosa, Moong dal sira
Lunch: Paneer tikka wrap, Channa mogar daal, Rice
Dinner: Mexican rice, Rasam vada, Chawal pudi

Option 2:

Breakfast: Suji paniyaram, Korma pudi
Lunch: Bajri ki roti, Pithod ki sabzi, Sev ghatiya sabzi
Dinner: Paneer tawa pulao, Rajma cutlet

Option 3:

Breakfast: Semiya upma, Besan chilla with paneer stuffing
Lunch: Channa dal sabzi, Roti, Daal chawal, Masala chaas
Dinner: Khichdi khadi, Masala pudi

Paryushan is a time of deep spiritual reflection and self-discipline for the Jain community. Each dish is thoughtfully chosen to reflect the spirit of Paryushan, emphasising wholesome ingredients and balanced nutrition.

 If you’re observing Paryushan this year, we have scoured the internet to find Paryushan-friendly dishes for you. We have also listed options in case you want to consider something healthier while observing the sacred fast.  Food & Drink Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips