Shravan is a deeply revered month in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to Lord Shiva, during which devotees engage in various rituals, fasting, and prayers. Many Hindus avoid consuming meat, fish, eggs, onions, and garlic during this period.
Those who observe fasts often follow even stricter dietary rules, avoiding wheat, pulses, legumes, and tamasic foods like onions and garlic.
In response to the dietary preferences of a significant portion of the population during Shravan, McDonald’s India has once again introduced a special menu this year. This menu includes no-onion, no-garlic versions of popular items like the McCheese Burger and McAloo Tikki Burger.
“Now if you observe Shravan, you know that this period encourages followers to partake in a diet that’s balanced and vegetarian in nature. In support of our customers’ sentiments, it’s always a good feeling knowing that the McDonald’s India menu caters to our many distinct Indian communities!” the fast food chain said while announcing the menu.
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However, when a food vlogger shared an Instagram Reel showcasing this special Shravan menu, it sparked a debate on social media. Some users questioned why devotees couldn’t simply refrain from eating out during Shravan, while others pointed out that the buns used in these burgers are made from maida (refined wheat flour), which those fasting might also avoid.
“Can’t we restrict ourselves from eating at such location during holy month,” one person asked.
“Why do you even want to eat such fancy food in this holy month. At least for 1 month eat homely food,” another said.
“Bhaishaab maida kab se khane lage fasting ke din (Since when can we eat maida during fast?)” an Instagram user wondered. People explained that some Hindus do not fast during Shravan but still abstain from eating onion and garlic.
