World Vegetarian Day 2025 Observed Globally on October 1.

World Vegetarian Day (WVD) 2025 was observed across the globe on October 1 to highlight the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of adopting a plant-based, meat-free lifestyle. The observance also marks the beginning of Vegetarian Awareness Month (October 1–31).

      - World Vegetarian Day was established in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS), based in New York, USA, to promote vegetarianism and its global impact on human health and the environment.

      - The day was formally endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union (IVU) in 1978, giving it wider international reach and recognition. It also serves as the starting point of Vegetarian Awareness Month, which concludes with World Vegan Day on November 1.

      - According to the United Nations (UN), animal agriculture contributes nearly 15% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, surpassing transport sector emissions. Around 70 billion land animals are farmed each year worldwide, mostly under intensive farming conditions.

Main Point :-   (i) WVD highlights different dietary categories such as Lacto Vegetarians (consume dairy, avoid eggs and meat), Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians (eat dairy and eggs, avoid meat), Ovo Vegetarians (eat eggs, avoid dairy and meat), and Vegans (avoid all animal-derived products including meat, dairy, and honey).

      (ii) A vegetarian diet is shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 50%, aid in diabetes management, help control obesity, and maintain an overall healthier lifestyle. It also encourages sustainable food practices and reduced exploitation of animals.

(iii) India has the largest vegetarian population in the world, with around 30–40% of its citizens following a vegetarian diet, making it a significant example of plant-based living on a national scale.