Nama·bharat
A trusted guide to Hindu life, in plain words.

food and the body

Why do many Hindus avoid eating meat?

Many Hindus are vegetarian, mainly because of the value placed on non-violence toward living beings. It is a strong tradition for many, though practice varies widely.

What the tradition says

The main reason is ahimsa, the principle of not harming living beings, which is a core value in the tradition. Vegetarian eating also fits the idea of sattvic food and a calm mind, and there is a special reverence for the cow. For many devout Hindus and many communities, vegetarianism is a settled way of life.

How much it varies

It is important to say this is not a single rule for all Hindus. Vegetarianism is stronger in some regions and communities than in others, and many Hindus do eat meat, though beef is widely avoided. The picture across the tradition is varied, not uniform.

In everyday life

Vegetarian food is easy and common in India, and many families abroad keep to it while others adapt to where they live. The non-violence and environmental angles of vegetarianism now draw interest well beyond Hindu communities.

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How we write. We describe what the tradition holds, drawing on its texts and customs in general terms. We do not give religious, medical, or dietary advice, and we note plainly where there is no scientific evidence. Reviewed for accuracy by our editorial team.