Debunking the Myth: Why Some Believe Which Dal is Considered Non-Veg

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite being a 100% plant-based food, the red lentil, or masoor dal, is considered 'non-vegetarian' by some communities due to deep-rooted myths and cultural beliefs. This peculiar perception surrounding which dal is considered non-veg is an intriguing part of food history in the Indian subcontinent.

Quick Summary

This article explores the cultural and mythological reasons behind the belief that masoor dal is non-vegetarian, clarifying that all dals are inherently plant-based legumes.

Key Points

Masoor Dal is a plant-based legume: Scientifically, red lentils are grown from plants, not derived from animal products.
The 'non-veg' myth has mythological roots: Tales involving the divine cow Kamdhenu and the demon Swarbhanu link masoor dal to blood, leading to its non-vegetarian classification in some beliefs.
Masoor Dal is sometimes classified as tamasic: Due to perceived stimulating or heavy properties, some traditional Hindu dietary practices consider masoor dal a tamasic food, which is avoided for spiritual purity.
Not all Hindus avoid masoor dal: The belief is specific to certain communities, like some Bengali Hindus and Gaudiya Vaishnavas, and is not a universal rule.
Modern understanding is based on nutrition: Most people today recognize masoor dal as a healthy source of protein and fiber, distinguishing cultural belief from biological fact.
Respect for tradition persists: Despite modern understanding, some communities continue to avoid masoor dal out of respect for tradition, not for nutritional reasons.

All Dal is Inherently Vegetarian: The Botanical Truth

From a scientific and botanical standpoint, all types of dal are legumes grown from plants. Lentils, peas, and beans belong to the legume family, making them a cornerstone of vegetarian and vegan diets around the world. The idea of a dal being 'non-veg' is not based on its physical composition but on symbolic and mythological interpretations that have evolved over centuries within specific cultural contexts.

The Masoor Dal Controversy: Mythological Roots

Among certain Hindu communities, particularly some Gaudiya Vaishnavas and Bengali Hindus, red lentils (masoor dal) are sometimes avoided or classified as 'non-veg'. This stems from a number of intertwined beliefs:

The Legend of Kamdhenu: A popular story from the Mahabharata era suggests that masoor dal plants sprouted from the blood of Kamdhenu, the divine cow, after she was injured during a theft attempt. This mythological association links the red lentils to the cow's blood, causing some to view them as impure or non-vegetarian.
Demonic Blood Mythology: Another tale connects the red lentil's origin to the blood of the demon Swarbhanu. When Lord Vishnu beheaded the demon, his blood was said to have created the masoor dal plant, further cementing its impure status in some belief systems.

The Tamasic Food Classification

In Hinduism, foods are often categorized into three types based on their effect on the body and mind: sattvic (pure), rajasic (stimulating), and tamasic (heavy or lethargy-inducing). Masoor dal, along with onions and garlic, is often placed in the tamasic category. Tamasic foods are traditionally avoided by those seeking spiritual purity, like ascetics and some Brahmins, which has led to its comparison with meat in some contexts.

Reasons for Masoor Dal's Tamasic Classification:

Heat and Stimulating Properties: Some traditional beliefs suggest that masoor dal has heat-producing qualities similar to non-vegetarian food, which can over-stimulate the body and mind.
Color Symbolism: The deep red color of the lentil is sometimes compared to blood, an inauspicious color for certain religious rituals.
High Protein Content: Historically, some believed its high protein content could stimulate hormones and increase desires, and therefore, it was forbidden to widows in some Bengali households who were expected to lead a restrained life. Modern science, however, shows that other lentils and plant sources also contain high protein.

Modern Perspectives vs. Traditional Views

While these traditional views persist, the majority of people today recognize that masoor dal is a nutritious, plant-based food. The reasons for avoiding it are now understood as cultural and symbolic, not based on any scientific fact. The ongoing consumption of masoor dal by Hindus in various regions proves that these traditional restrictions are not universally followed. The evolution of dietary habits and increased nutritional knowledge have gradually shifted the perspective, though respect for traditional practices remains.

Dal Comparison: Masoor vs. Toor Dal


Feature	Masoor Dal (Red Lentil)	Toor Dal (Pigeon Pea)
Appearance	Small, orange-red when split and hulled.	Yellow, oily-looking split peas.
Cooking Time	Cooks quickly and becomes very soft.	Takes longer to cook than masoor dal.
Texture	Soft and mushy, great for pureed soups and curries.	Holds its shape more, common in dishes like sambar.
Origin Myths	Linked to Kamdhenu's blood and demon blood.	No similar widespread mythological non-veg association.
Ayurvedic Classification	Often considered tamasic by some traditionalists.	Generally considered sattvic, or pure, in Ayurvedic texts.
Regional Use	Widely used across India, especially Bengali cuisine.	Staple in South Indian cuisine.
Plant Status	Legume, grown from a plant.	Legume, grown from a plant.

Conclusion

In summary, no dal is considered non-veg from a biological or scientific standpoint. The idea that masoor dal, or any other lentil, is non-vegetarian is a cultural myth rooted in historical tales, religious symbolism, and dietary classifications. While these traditions are still respected in certain communities, the vast majority of people consume masoor dal as a healthy, plant-based source of protein and fiber. Understanding the rich tapestry of beliefs surrounding food allows us to appreciate diverse cultures, even when they diverge from scientific reality.

For a deeper dive into the history of lentils, including their early cultivation in India, you can explore resources like the ICARDA blog on the mighty lentil.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, masoor dal is not non-vegetarian. It is a legume, which means it is a plant-based food. The idea that it is non-vegetarian comes from cultural and mythological beliefs, not from its botanical origin.

Some Brahmins avoid masoor dal for a variety of traditional reasons. These include mythological stories linking it to blood, its classification as a tamasic food that can increase passions, and its red color which is seen as inauspicious in some rituals.

In Hindu philosophy, tamasic foods are those believed to induce lethargy, anger, or negative energy. Masoor dal is sometimes classified as tamasic due to its perceived 'heating' properties and, in some interpretations, high protein content that can be over-stimulating.

No, the high protein content is a secondary justification, not the root cause. Many plant-based foods, including other lentils, are high in protein. The core of the belief stems from mythological tales and ritualistic symbolism.

The myth primarily concerns masoor dal, or red lentils. However, the reasoning behind it, such as color symbolism and Tamasic classification, could be extended to other dark-colored or stimulating foods in some traditional belief systems.

Yes, all dals are vegetarian. The term 'dal' refers to a preparation of split pulses like lentils, peas, and beans, which are all plant-based.

While the belief exists in specific communities, it is not widespread or universally accepted. Most of the Indian population consumes masoor dal as a regular part of their diet without considering it non-vegetarian.