Other surveys cited by FAO and USDA estimate 40% 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 mainly cultural.

Are all Hindus vegetarian?

Most Hindus are vegetarian. The cow is viewed as a sacred animal so even meat-eating Hindus may not eat beef. Some Hindus will eat eggs, some will not, and some will also refuse onion or garlic; it is best to ask each individual.

Are there many vegetarians in India?

India has the highest number of vegetarians in the world, with more than 400 million people identifying as vegetarian. However, various surveys over the years show that the estimated percentage of the vegetarian population is anywhere between 23% and 37%.

Which country has highest vegetarians?

1. India (38%) India is ranked top in the world with 38% of the total population being vegetarians.

What percentage of Hindus eat non veg in India?

Most Indians are not vegetarians; in fact, only 31 per cent are vegetarians, according to The Hindu—CNN-IBN State of the Nation Survey in 2006. The figure is 21 per cent for families (with all vegetarian members). Another 9 per cent of the population is eggetarian, or vegetarians who eat eggs.

Which religion is vegetarian?

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 Buddhism it is advocated by some influential scriptures and religion authorities.

Is eating beef illegal in India?

At present different laws are applicable to matters relating to cow slaughter. Out of 29 Indian states, while 20 states prohibit cow slaughter, beef is legally and freely available in states like Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura.

Do Hindu vegetarians drink milk?

Hindus use milk and its products for religious purposes because it is believed to have purifying qualities. Milk also goes beyond religion: Ghee spread on flatbread can be a special treat for the poor; buttermilk is a popular summer drink to soothe the stomach.

Is Jesus a vegetarian?

In the 4th Century some Jewish Christian groups maintained that Jesus was himself a vegetarian. Although not vegetarian himself and vehemently against the idea that Christians must be vegetarians, Augustine nevertheless wrote that those Christians who abstain both from flesh and from wine are without number.

Can a vegetarian survive in China?

And even though vegetarianism is a growing trend among the Chinese in the bigger cities, the majority of vegetarians are still foreigners, says Gwen. But, good news! Because Chinese cuisine uses a lot of vegetables, vegetarian food is available everywhere in China, even though its population is not vegetarian.

What part of India is vegetarian?

India has five states that could be considered vegetarian (defined as having at least half their population as vegetarian). These states are Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab.

Does India eat cow?

Around 1 in every 13 Indians eats “beef.” Buffalo is also called beef in places where killing cows is illegal (24 out of 29 states). Its a common and accepted dish in Kerala and Goa. In most places, it is not illegal to eat beef, yet it is socially unacceptable and not available.

Is beef prohibited in Hinduism?

Overall, India consumes the least amount of meat per capita. Hindus who do eat meat, often distinguish all other meat from beef. The respect for cow is part of Hindu belief, and most Hindus avoid meat sourced from cow as cows are treated as a motherly giving animal, considered as another member of the family.