World Vegan Day is an annual event celebrated by vegans around the world every 1 November. The benefits of veganism for humans and the natural environment are celebrated through activities such as setting up stalls, hosting potlucks, and planting memorial trees.
The event was established in 1994 by Louise Wallis, then Chair of The Vegan Society in the United Kingdom, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the organisation and the coining of the terms “vegan” and “veganism”.
Speaking in 2011, Louise Wallis said: “We knew the Society had been founded in November 1944 but didn’t know the exact date, so I decided to go for 1 November, partly because I liked the idea of this date coinciding with Samhain/Halloween and the Day of the Dead – traditional times for feasting and celebration, both apt and auspicious.
Awareness on benefits of veganism for humans and the natural environment is spread on the day through various activities.
Veganism is gaining popularity with each passing year. Not only international celebrities from Benedict Cumberbatch, Pamela Anderson, to Russell Brand have turned to veganism, Bollywood stars celebs too are not left far behind with names like Aamir Khan, Kangana Ranaut, Sonam Kapoor, Anushka Sharma to Shraddha Kapoor swearing by vegan diet. With such popular role models, the concept no wonder is trending in India like never before.
Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals.
An individual who follows the diet or philosophy is known as a vegan.
Distinctions may be made between several categories of veganism. Dietary vegans, also known as “strict vegetarians”, refrain from consuming meat, eggs, dairy products, and any other animal-derived substances.
An ethical vegan is someone who not only follows a plant-based diet but extends the philosophy into other areas of their lives, opposes the use of animals for any purpose, and tries to avoid any cruelty and exploitation of all animals including humans.
Another term is “environmental veganism”, which refers to the avoidance of animal products on the premise that the industrial farming of animals is environmentally damaging and unsustainable.
Well-planned vegan diets are regarded as appropriate for all stages of life, including infancy and pregnancy.
The word ‘vegan’ was coined by Donald Watson and his then-future wife Dorothy Morgan in 1944.
People may also choose to avoid animal products because of the environmental impact of animal agriculture. A 2010 United Nations (UN) report argued that these products generally require more resources and cause higher greenhouse gas emissions than plant-based options.
For instance, animal agriculture contributes to 65% of global nitrous oxide emissions, 35–40% of methane emissions, and 9% of carbon dioxide emissions. These chemicals are considered the three principal greenhouse gasses involved in climate change.
Vegetarians are people who do not consume meat, eggs, or other animal products. Vegan, on the other hand, are vegetarians who do not consume dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, paneer, and so on.
On November 1, 1994, World Vegan Day was established to mark the golden jubilee of the UK Vegan Society and to celebrate the term “vegan.” In November of 1944, the Vegan Society was formed.
Veganism is said to have existed for more than 2000 years, while vegetarianism existed for 500 years before veganism. Pythagoras, the famed Greek mathematician, and philosopher advocated for being friendly to all creatures. Buddhists, like many others, believe in veganism and would never harm an animal.
Veganism is a healthy way of living that anybody may adopt. A vegan diet has several health benefits. World Vegan Day is observed to raise awareness of the health advantages of a vegan diet and to promote it. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of a vegan lifestyle might help one adopt a vegan diet.
World Vegan Day is observed in a variety of ways throughout the world. There are small-scale carnivals, culinary festivals, and public gatherings. Stakeholders have also prepared a lot for 2021 in order for people to feel included.
In this inflation-ridden world, the Vegan Society’s ‘Live Vegan for Less’ campaign to raise awareness about inexpensive vegan cuisine is a fantastic concept.
“A part of population is allergic to dairy products, and when they turn vegan, they see great changes on their skin and digestive system. Many people have reported better skin, hair and gut health after changing their lifestyle to vegan food,” says Barjatya.
Add this soaked dal, salt, ginger garlic paste, green chillies paste and some water in a mixture jar to blend a smooth paste
Add water if required to get a smooth consistency (I.e. cake batter consistency)
Add pinch of Eno, whisk a bit
Grease thali with ghee, add batter in it
Now steam this dhokla thali for about 15-20 minutes in a pressure cooker
Cut into pieces
Serve for yourself and enjoy
Macros
Carbs: 42g
Fat: 5.84 g
Protein: 16.80 g
Total calories: 287.76 kcal
Every year on November 1, the vegan community celebrates World Vegan Day with zeal. It is a day to celebrate the custom of embracing an all-green diet that excludes dairy and animal products. People are encouraged to adopt a vegan lifestyle on World Vegan Day. According to some notable vegans, the vegan lifestyle enhances human health, protects the well-being of animals, and aids in environmental protection. The year 2021 will mark the 77 years of World Vegan Day.
It has been established that the diet helps in lowering cholesterol and is good for your heart health.
“If we have to talk about the nutrition, vegan diet or non-vegan diet, both can cover almost all the nutrition if someone puts some extra efforts in choosing the right food. But vegan diet has one extra advantage and is recommended by the American Heart Association in controlling the coronary artery disease. Vegan food may help in lowering the cholesterol and can help in cardiovascular diseases,” says Chirag Barjatya, Nutritionist and Founder, Team Chirag.
A person who adopts vegan diet can eat any plant-based foods – vegetables, grains, nuts, fruits. While dairy products and eggs are not part of diet, they can be substituted by tofu, almond milk soy milk, coconut milk, rice milk among many other such options.
“When you are on a vegan diet you tend to consume more of legumes, fruits, veggies and soya products which are rich in fibre, antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins A, C, and E,” says Barjatya, elaborating on the health benefits of going vegan.
Eating vegan can also be helpful for people who are allergic to dairy products.
“A part of population is allergic to dairy products, and when they turn vegan, they see great changes on their skin and digestive system. Many people have reported better skin, hair and gut health after changing their lifestyle to vegan food,” says Barjatya.
A person who adopts vegan diet can eat any plant-based foods – vegetables, grains, nuts, fruits. While dairy products and eggs are not part of diet, they can be substituted by tofu, almond milk soy milk, coconut milk, rice milk among many other such options.
“When you are on a vegan diet you tend to consume more of legumes, fruits, veggies and soya products which are rich in fibre, antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins A, C, and E,” says Barjatya, elaborating on the health benefits of going vegan.
Eating vegan can also be helpful for people who are allergic to dairy products.