The Jains are one of the religious for whom the `chaturmas' or the 4 months of the monsoons hold great Significance. Though one of the basic principles of jainism is ahimsa, that is non-violence, in these months many jains do not even eat onions, potatoes, garlic and other root vegetables. They avoid the use of green leafy vegetables too, it is said, since these have many tiny insects which many a time the naked eye cannot see.
Of these the 8 days of Pajushan are of penance, restraint, and mostly fasting. On the 5th day of pajushan the birth of the 24th and last Jain thirthankara, Mahavir Bhagwan, is read out by the monks know as "Bhagwan Mahavir Janam Vanchan".
People exchange goodwill and wellbeing, and it is said many bitter enemies have given up their enmity on these days, and come together as friends again. The last of the eight days, that is `Samvatsari' is highlight for this purpose.
Most jains fast in some form of the other in these days. It is not and uncommon sight to see 8 day fasters, who do not consume anything in these eight days. Even water must be boiled and can be drunk only between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (approx.) Every now and then one does come across a faster who has not eaten for a whole month too!!! Penance and fasting are the key words in these days. There are however, some very tasty and unusual dishes which are made traditionally in these days, which may be a bit rich due their use of ghee, but then are very nourishing otherwise. Definitely not richer in calories than some of the rich pastries that we consume without batting an eyelid.
So this week we present some of the typical pajushan preparations made in jain homes, and bring a message of ahimsa and non-violence the world over.
- List of dishes which prepare at the time of Pajushan:
- MOONG SUBZI
- MOGAR KI SUBZI
- METHI PAPAD KI SUBZI
- SANGRI KI SABZI
- LAPSI
- KHAKHRAS
- GATTE KI SABZI
- JEERA PULAO
