What Percentage of Indians Are Vegetarians?
What percentage of Indians are vegetarians? Know the latest widely cited survey figure, state and religious differences, and how many Indians follow some form of meat restriction.
Around 39% of Indian adults identify themselves as vegetarian according to a Pew Research Center survey . The survey covered 29,999 Indian adults. The survey covered 26 states and three Union Territories. Keep reading to know in detail.
How Many Indians Follow Some Form of Meat Restriction?
The percentage is much higher when people who restrict meat without being completely vegetarian are included. According to the Pew Research Center 39% of Indian adults identify as vegetarian and 42% are not vegetarian but avoid certain meats. Overall, 81% of Indian adults follow some form of restriction on meat consumption. Only 18% reported no restrictions on meat.
Which Region of India Has the Highest Percentage of Vegetarians?
The Pew survey found major regional differences among Indian adults. The percentage identifying as vegetarian was:
| Region | Share (%) |
| North | 64% |
| Central | 54% |
| West | 49% |
| South | 27% |
| East | 15% |
| Northeast | 15% |
How Many Indians Are Not Vegetarians?
According to the same survey, 61% of Indian adults said they were not vegetarian. But, around 42% of Indian adults are not vegetarian but still avoid certain meats or do not eat meat on certain days.
Which Part of India Has More Vegetarians?
The North recorded the highest share at 64%, followed by Central India at 54% and Western India at 49%. The South recorded 27%, while the East and Northeast both recorded 15%.
When Is World Vegetarian Day 2026?
World Vegetarian Day 2026 will be observed on October 1. The day is celebrated every year to promote awareness about vegetarian diets and encourage people to learn more about the benefits and choices associated with plan based eating.
Key Facts About Vegetarians in India
| Question | Answer |
| Percentage of Indian adults who identify as vegetarian | 39% |
| Indian adults who do not identify as vegetarian | 61% |
| Indian adults with some meat restriction | 81% |
| Non-vegetarians with some meat restriction | 42% |
| Adults reporting no meat restrictions | 18% |
| Region with the highest vegetarian share | North India, 64% |
| Region with the lowest recorded share | East and Northeast, 15% each |
| Survey sample | 29,999 Indian adults |
| Survey period | November 2019 to March 2020 |
Jasreet Kaur is a journalist with over 3 years of experience in digital media and news content creation. She specializes in covering Trending News, including major National and International developments, with a focus on delivering accurate, engaging, and reader-friendly stories. Prior to this, she worked with Zee News as a Content Writer, where she gained extensive experience in news reporting and content strategy. Driven by curiosity, credibility, and a passion for impactful journalism, Jasreet aims to contribute to informed public discourse while supporting positive growth in organizations, society, and the world.
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