Why Onion and garlic Is Avoided During Fasting?

Onion and garlic are avoided during fasting periods for spiritual and physical reasons, primarily because they are considered tamasic or rajasic foods, which increase bodily heat, carnal energy, and can disrupt mental focus and spiritual peace.

Spiritual and Ayurvedic reasons

Impact on the mind

According to Ayurveda, foods are categorized into three "gunas" (qualities):

Sattvic (pure, calm, light) foods are preferred during fasting to promote tranquility and mental clarity, which aids in meditation and devotion.

Rajasic (stimulating, passionate, restless) and Tamasic (lethargic, dull, negative) foods are thought to stimulate the central nervous system, increase internal heat, and invoke worldly desires and anger, distracting a devotee from their spiritual goals.

Arousing Desires : Onions and garlic are natural aphrodisiacs that increase carnal energy and lust, which is contrary to the self-control and celibacy often practiced during fasting periods.

Purity and offerings : Fasting is a time for purification. Foods with pungent odors, like onions and garlic are considered impure by some traditions and are not offered to deities during worship.

Epic reasons : Onions and garlic originated from the drops of a demon (Svarabhanu) whose head was served by Lord Vishnu. Since they are considered remnants of an impure being, they are forbidden in religious rituals.

Scientific and Health Considerations

Beyond spiritual reasons, there are also some practical health reasons that coincide with these beliefs:

Digestive Health : Fasting often occurs during seasonal changes (such as the transition from autumn to winter) Consuming a lighter, sattvic diet, which excludes heavy or potentially irritating foods like onions and garlic, can help  the body adjust to the seasonal shift and improve digestion.

Body Temperature : Onions are considered "heating" foods in Ayurvedic principles and consuming them might exacerbate digestive problems or heat-related symptoms during a fast when the body's internal balance is a priority.

Oral Hygiene :  Their strong, lingering odor is another practical reason for avoidance, especially when devotees gather for prayers and community meals.

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