As the festive seasons of Sawan and Navratri approach, discussions about dietary practices intensify, often guiding individuals on when and what to eat, with a central focus on non-vegetarian foods.
The debate reignites with the onset of Navratri, sparking campaigns against meat consumption, its sale, and the closure of markets. The pivotal question remains: should non-vegetarian foods be avoided during Navratri? Interestingly, in Bengal, where the tradition of Durga Puja originated, fish is considered auspicious. In many temples in Bihar and Jharkhand, animal sacrifices occur, and the meat is distributed as holy offerings.
Why this Restriction?
Historian Nrisingha Prasad Bhaduri elaborates in an India Today report that geography significantly influences dietary and festival traditions. In the state of West Bengal, shaped by the ecosystem of the Bay of Bengal and multiple rivers, the abundance of freshwater fish has made it a cultural staple, closely linked to rituals and traditions.
This reliance on fish is deeply embedded in Bengali culture and cuisine, making its presence prominent in Durga Puja offerings and communal feasts.
Source: aajtak
As one moves north towards Bihar, the opposition to non-vegetarian food intensifies. However, this resistance is not merely religious but also links to biological and Ayurvedic principles.
Vaishnav Tradition and Meat Prohibition
The Vaishnav tradition mandates abstinence from meat during Chaturmas, spanning the monsoon months, encouraging vegetarianism. Modern medicine does not pose restrictions on consuming meat during Sawan, emphasizing its protein benefits. Yet, Ayurveda advocates understanding the impact of consuming meat, which varies based on cooking methods and the seasonal effects on dietary practices.
Meat Prohibition in Yajurveda and Ayurveda
According to Vaishnav tradition, during the four months of Chaturmas, Lord Vishnu is believed to sleep. The term 'Vaishwanar' refers to the digestive fire inside us, which Ayurveda believes weakens during the rains. The solution given involves 'Vaishwanar Churna', a digestive aid prescribed by Ayurvedic doctors for digestive issues like indigestion and bloating.
Source: aajtak
Negative Impact of Meat During Monsoon
Ayurveda prescribes dietary constraints aligning with the season, as monsoon weakens the body's digestive fire, increasing vata and kapha. Foods rich in fats and retained moisture become difficult to digest, contributing to toxins and obstructions.
Meat like goat is heavy and nourishing yet detrimental in this season due to potential indigestion, joint pain, swelling, and restlessness. Similarly, chicken, although nourishing, can exacerbate indigestion, sticky skin issues, and constipation.
Impact of Eating Fish During the Rains
Consuming fish during the monsoon poses risks; despite its easy preparation, its innate qualities heighten stickiness and kapha-related disorders, already prevalent in the rainy season.
During Sharadiya Navratri, the changing season marks the transition from monsoon to winter, allowing a moderate return to meat consumption, starting as offerings (prasadam) in Bengal.
It’s crucial to understand that offerings aren't meant as full meals but as ceremonial portions, debunking the myth that Bengalis indulge heavily in non-veg during Navratri.
Source: aajtak
Shakta Tradition with Shri Kul and Kali Kul
Exploring Durga Puja reveals worship practices for both gentle and fierce goddesses, based on Bengal's Shakta tradition, divided into Shri Kul (gentle) like Saraswati, Mahalakshmi, Annapurna, and the fierce Kali Kul goddesses who include Kali herself, accepting meat offerings.
Out of the 51 Shakti Peethas, 16 are blessed within the Bengali region. Most celebrate with frequent animal sacrifices as part of ancient belief systems. The understanding that dietary choices transcend prohibition underlines India's cultural ethos, where food encompasses personal and sacred identity, independent of religious restraints.
