Abstaining from non-vegetarian food during religious festivals and on certain days of the week like Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, has been a common practice in Hinduism. That said, there is also a large section, particularly comprising women, who abstain from consuming meat, chicken and fish during Kartika, considered the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Orissa POST caught up with a few women who shared their views on why they prefer going vegan during this period.
Anurupa Rout, a homemaker from Bhubaneswar, said, “There is a common belief that a person, who eats non-vegetarian food in this month, gets the life of a demon. Lighting a lamp in temples in front of the idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Chandi and other deities during this month is considered a good omen. Those who adhere to the rules and regulations mentioned in the religious scriptures are relieved of all sins they have committed in life. This is the religious aspect of not consuming non-vegetarian food. However, there is also a scientific reason behind this practice. As this month coincides with the end of monsoon, our digestive system performs can’t perform at the optimum level due to the climatic change. Given that non-vegetarian food takes more time to get digested, it is advisable to avoid such things as a precautionary measure. ”
Cuttack-based Pragyan Pattnaik, who never eats non-vegetarian food during the month of Kartika, said, “Vegetarian diet is considered satvik. It has a positive effect on our body and mind. On the other hand, non-vegetarian diet is considered tamasik, which adversely affects the body and mind, and should be avoided. Therefore, a vegetarian diet is a must for those who wish to keep their mind under control and achieve something in life. Refraining from non-vegetarian food also keeps us free from a number of diseases.”
Sonali Das, a senior resident doctor at SCB Medical College & Hospital, Cuttack, said, “This month marks the end of monsoon. Besides from giving relief from the sweltering heat, monsoons also brings along with it a spate of waterborne diseases. This is the time when our body becomes vulnerable to contaminations. So, it is wise to consume light meals and vegetables are the best option. On the other hand, there are a few other reasons behind eating only vegetarian food during this month. Sheep and goats are seasonal breeders and their breeding season coincides with the beginning of Kartika month. This can also be a reason to ensure growth in livestock population. The same applies for fish too. Fishes carry eggs during this month and people are discouraged to consume fish and encourage their reproduction. Going by Hindu philosophy, kill animals when they are pregnant is conmsided sin.”
Jagatsinghpur-based Sradhanjali Jena said, “Fruits and vegetables contain powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from cellular damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals, smoking, pollution and sunlight can give rise to wrinkles and age-related spots. Therefore, consuming vegetarian foods during the months of Kartika and Shravan helps our skin and overall health. Many are addicted to non-vegetarian food but such holy months offer us an opportunity to take care of our health.”
SOYONG, OP
