Amavasya is the new moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar. It occurs once every month. Many families observe a sattvic diet (no meat, onion, garlic) on this day. It's associated with honoring ancestors (Pitru), spiritual reflection, and inner purification. Some devotees also visit temples or perform special pujas.

Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of each lunar fortnight — so it occurs twice a month. It's considered one of the most auspicious fasting days. Many devotees avoid all grains, beans, and non-veg. The fast is broken the next morning. There are 24 Ekadashis in a year, each with a unique name and significance.

Tuesday (Mangalvar) is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Many devotees avoid non-veg and alcohol as a mark of devotion. The tradition varies by family — some observe it strictly, others loosely. In some regions, Saturday (for Shani Dev) is also observed.

In Ayurveda and Hindu philosophy, food is classified into three gunas: Sattvic (pure, light, harmonious), Rajasic (stimulating, passionate), and Tamasic (heavy, dull). A sattvic diet typically excludes meat, eggs, onion, garlic, and strong spices. It's believed to promote clarity, calmness, and spiritual sensitivity.

Navratri occurs twice a year (Chaitra and Sharad). For 9 days, many devotees observe strict vegetarian diets, some even fasting. It celebrates the divine feminine — Goddess Durga. The festival culminates in Dussehra (victory of good over evil). Food rules vary by region: some avoid grains, some avoid onion/garlic, some observe only the first and last day.

Shravan (July-August) is considered the holiest month in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Many families go fully vegetarian for the entire month. Mondays in Shravan (Shravan Somvar) are especially significant. This is one of the longest stretches of dietary observance in the year.