In the Hindu home, rich or poor, there are certain rules relating to food and cleanliness which are strictly followed. Before entering the kitchen to prepare the first meal of the day, the cook must wash from head to toe and put on clean clothing. This is meticulously recorded in the Shastras, a series of books compiled centuries ago, and still carefully followed to the present day.
There is also a certain ritual related to the bath that every Hindu takes before eating his first meal of the day; not to mention the care with which hands and mouth are washed before and after eating.
The strict Indian vegetarians, who number in the millions, do not touch meat of any sort, including fish or anything that has contained a germ of life, such as eggs.
Muslims do not eat pork, although some will also not eat beef.
Vegetables, which are principal food for many, are subject to certain taboos. Many people will not eat any vegetable whose root or stem is in the shape of a head such as mushrooms, onions and garlic. Others will not eat many of the root vegetables, which in the harvesting process might disrupt or kill any living organism in the soil.
As a rule, a respectable Hindu will not touch liquor or any intoxicating beverage. Drunkenness is looked upon in India as very degrading. In some of the more cosmopolitan areas, however, one does occasionally see an Indian having a cocktail.
Referred from the book
A Taste of India
- Mary S. Atwood
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