A Place Where Onions and Garlic Are Never Used
A Place Where Onions and Garlic Are Never Used
The pilgrimage town follows strict food practices rooted in religious beliefs, surprising first-time visitors.
In most parts of India, onions are an essential part of daily cooking, used in dals, curries, chutneys and salads. However, the town of Katra in Jammu and Kashmir is a rare exception.
In Katra, onions and garlic are neither grown nor sold, and their use in homes, hotels or restaurants is strictly avoided. The town, located at the base of the Trikuta Mountains, serves as the starting point for the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. To maintain the purity of this holy site, the tradition of avoiding onion and garlic has been followed for decades.
According to Hindu belief, onions and garlic are considered tamasic — ingredients believed to increase anger, laziness and restlessness — and are therefore avoided during worship and fasting. Over the years, this practice has become a part of daily life for Katra’s residents.
Local markets and eateries do not stock or serve food containing these ingredients. Instead, they offer a wide range of satvik dishes that are simple, nutritious and enjoyed by pilgrims. Shopkeepers say visitors often ask for onions, but are politely guided towards local satvik alternatives.
For the people of Katra, this tradition is not seen as a limitation but as an expression of devotion and discipline. As the gateway to Vaishno Devi, Katra stands out as a unique example of how faith can influence everyday living in India.
