Why are green vegetables avoided on aatham and chaudas

In Jain tradition, Aatham (Ashtami) and Chaudas (Chaturdashi) are among the parva tithis—special lunar days dedicated to heightened spiritual practices such as posadh, samayik, pratikraman, and jinapuja. On these days, sadhus, sadhvis, and lay followers abstain from consuming hari vanaspati (green vegetables), ripe fruits, and their juices, collectively called lilotri. The primary reason given in Jain scriptures for this abstinence is ahimsa: green vegetables are sachitt, meaning their plant bodies are alive and inhabited by numerous microscopic jivas, so eating them causes harm to these life forms. This is distinct from dry staples like grains and dals, which are achitt (non-living) or lose their life after harvest and storage. Additionally, green vegetables and fruits are considered sweeter and more relished foods that foster asakti (attachment), which is discouraged on days devoted to spiritual discipline. The practice is not based on lunar gravity or astrological reasons, which are modern interpretations, but on ethical and spiritual principles intrinsic to Jain dharma. Modern authors like Nandighoshvijay also note Ayurvedic reasons, such as balancing bodily humors by periodic abstinence from pitta-increasing green vegetables, but these support rather than replace the scriptural ahimsa rationale. Thus, the avoidance of green vegetables on Aatham and Chaudas is a deliberate vow to minimize harm and curb attachment during important Jain observances (Nandighoshvijay 2005; Labdhisuri 1938; Nemichandrasuri 1926).