World Vegetarian Day 2024: Which Indians will choose veg or non-veg?

World Vegetarian Day is celebrated on October 1st every year. The day was created to promote a plant-based lifestyle and encourage people to reduce meat consumption. Vegetarian Day is more than just a celebration of vegetarian eating; It’s about raising awareness about how making the right food choices can impact our health. The goal also includes concerns about the environment and animals affected by excessive consumption of a meat-based diet.

Significant contributions are linked to combating global warming. The day was first established in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society. It marked the start of Vegetarian Awareness Month and encouraged people to try vegetarian dishes and learn more about the positive changes a plant-based diet can bring.

Whether it’s reducing your risk of chronic disease or reducing your carbon footprint, World Vegetarian Day invites us to think about the bigger picture.

HOW INDIANS VIEW THE VEGETARIAN DIET

Recent research from the All-India Household Consumption Expenditure Survey as well as data from previous years’ National Sample Surveys show that Indian households’ expenditure on animal-based diets has increased compared to grain- and plant-based diet options.

Trends over the last two decades suggest that Indians, whether from cities, villages or metros, spend more on an animal-based diet, including eggs, meat and fish, than on a vegetarian diet that includes pulses and grains. India has the highest proportion of vegetarians in the world, yet 69 percent of Indians have considered animal-based meals.

Jains have the highest proportion of vegetarians among the Indian population: almost 92 percent follow a vegetarian diet. In contrast, the proportion of Hindus is 44 percent and of Muslims 10 and 8 percent respectively. This data is based on the 2021 Pew Center survey.

Many people use this day to try new vegetarian recipes, attend events or simply reflect on their eating habits. It is a day to explore the possibilities of a healthier and more sustainable life while showing kindness to all living beings.