Why do we Bengalis consider onions and garlic non-veg?

Question

and non-bengalis don't?

Answer 1

I have some friends in ISKCON (Hare Krishna) and they say garlic and onion are in the "mode of passion", and mushrooms are in the "mode of ignorance." Apparently, it has something to do with the control of excessive sensory enjoyment for religious reasons.

Prabhubada, the founder of ISKCON, was Bengali.

I had no idea that was a common practice among Bengalis, but  I think there must be some connection with Prabhupada's interpretation.

My wife is Sindhi and her family cooks vegetarian food with a lot of onion and garlic.

Answer 2

we "non-bengalis" don't because onions are bulbs (plant)

Answer 3

You forgot mushrooms. Many in that Buddhists and Brahman area of the world do not eat these plants because they have texture of flesh.  It's just a psychological thing built into that particular culture.  We vegans here in the west do not care about the texture reminding us of meat.  We will eat mock meat, onions, garlics, mushroom, and  textured wheat (seitan)

simply because we are far more secular in our thinking when it comes to food.  Those Bengali's you speak of were raised not to partake of anything resembling flesh whereas western vegetarians are newbies.  Since most of us grew up eating flesh it's not the taste they we find offensive it's the picture of death and slaughter.

Answer 4

Probably because you are a certain caste of brahmin that is forbidden to eat onions/garlic. It does not mean they are not vegetartian, just not "kosher".

Answer 5

Shouldn't you be telling us?