Vegetarianism in India

Vegetarianism in India

In India vegetarianism is usually synonymous with "lacto" vegetarianism, although "lacto-ovo" vegetarianism is practiced as well. Most restaurants in India clearly distinguish and market themselves as being either "Non-Vegetarian", "Vegetarian" or "Pure Vegetarian" (lacto vegetarian). Vegetarian restaurants abound, and usually many vegetarian ("Shakahari": plant-eater, in Hindi) options are available. Animal based ingredients (other than milk and honey) such as lard, gelatin and meat stock are not used in the traditional cuisine.

According to the 2006 Hindu-CNN-IBN " [http://www.hinduonnet.com/2006/08/14/stories/2006081403771200.htm State of the Nation Survey] ", 31% of Indians are vegetarians, while another 9% consumes eggs. Among the various communities, vegetarianism was most common among Jains, Brahmins at 55%, and less frequent among Muslims (3%) and residents of coastal states respectively. Other surveys cited by FAO [http://www.fao.org/WAIRDOCS/LEAD/X6170E/x6170e09.htm] , and USDA [http://www.fas.usda.gov/htp/highlights/2001/india.pdf] [http://www.ers.usda.gov/amberwaves/February04/Features/ElephantJogs.htm] estimate 20%-42% of the Indian population as being vegetarian. These surveys indicate that even Indians who do eat meat, do so infrequently, with less than 30% consuming it regularly; although the reasons are partially economical.

India has devised a system of marking edible products made from only vegetarian ingredients, with a green dot in a green square. A mark of a "red dot in a red square" conveys that some animal based ingredients were used [http://commerce.nic.in/wto_sub/TBT%20Notifications%20by%20INDIA/2%20-%20GSR%20245%20-%20Health.pdf] . Even medicines are similarly marked: a well-known Omega-3 capsule made from flax seeds is marked with a red dot as the capsule uses non-vegetarian ingredients. Fact|date=February 2007

Recent growth in India's organized retail has also been hit by some controversy. Strict vegetarians are demanding meatless supermarkets [http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/bloodless-coup-as-indian-vegetarians-flex-muscle/2007/07/13/1183833772532.html]

In India, Vegetarianism is promoted by most Dharmic religions.


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Vegetarianism and religion — are strongly linked in a number of religions that originated in ancient India (Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism). In Jainism vegetarianism is mandatory for everyone, in Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism it is advocated by some influential scriptures… …   Wikipedia

  • vegetarianism —    Vegetarianism is highly valued in Indian cul ture. In general orthodox BRAHMINS will eat neither meat nor eggs. Castes who desire to gain respect and perhaps eventual advancement in the hierarchy will adopt vegetarianism as a way to… …   Encyclopedia of Hinduism

  • Vegetarianism — This article is about the deliberate diet for human beings. For types of vegetarian foods, see vegetarian cuisine. For plant based diets in non human animals, see herbivore. Vegetarianism Description A vegetarian diet is derived from plants, with …   Wikipedia

  • Vegetarianism in specific countries — Around the world vegetarianism is viewed in different lights. In some areas there is cultural and even legal support, where in others the diet is poorly understood or even frowned upon. In many countries (such as India) food labeling is in place… …   Wikipedia

  • vegetarianism — /vej i tair ee euh niz euhm/, n. the beliefs or practices of a vegetarian. [1850 55; VEGETARIAN + ISM] * * * Theory or practice of eating only plants. The vegetarian diet includes grains, vegetables, fruits, and nuts; it excludes meat, poultry,… …   Universalium

  • Vegetarianism in Hinduism — Most major paths of Hinduism hold vegetarianism as an ideal. There are three main reasons for this: the principle of nonviolence (ahimsa) applied to animals; [Tähtinen, Unto: Ahimsa. Non Violence in Indian Tradition , London 1976, p. 107 109.]… …   Wikipedia

  • Jain vegetarianism — is the diet of the Jains, the followers of Jainism. It is the most radical form of religiously motivated diet regulation in the Indian subcontinent.Like in Hinduism and Buddhism, Jain objections to the eating of meat and fish are based on the… …   Wikipedia

  • History of vegetarianism — Vegetarianism is the theory and practice of the voluntarily nonconsumption of the flesh of any animal (including sea animals) with or without also eschewing other animal derivatives, such as dairy products or eggs. [… …   Wikipedia

  • Cuisine of India — The cuisine of India is characterized by its sophisticated and subtle use of many spices and herbs grown across India and also for the widespread practice of vegetarianism across its society. Considered by some to be one of the world s most… …   Wikipedia

  • Religion in India — This article is about Republic of India s religious demographics. For religions originating in the Indian subcontinent, see Indian religions. A painting of Guru Nanak Dev Ji …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”