Randeep Hooda reminisces eating ‘Vaishnav khaana without chauk’ during Manipuri wedding: ‘So tasty’

Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram’s wedding, which was rooted in tradition, won many hearts with its simplicity. Now, the 47-year-old has revealed that the food served at his bride’s hometown in Manipur was a delight too. “As soon as we reached her home, there was Vaishnav khaana without chauk. It was so tasty. A lot of vegetables, dal, pudding, etc were there,” said Hooda, adding that his friends who wanted non-vegetarian fare were also smacking their lips after having the delectable vegetarian dishes.

But what is Vaishnav food all about? Let’s learn about it here.

Vaishnav food, in broader terms, is prepared without onion, garlic, fish, meat, and certain root vegetables like mushrooms. “A significant aspect of this cuisine is that it is often prepared without tempering or chauk (tadka or tempering), setting it apart from many other Indian culinary traditions,” said chef and author Aanal Kotak.

In the context of Manipur, Vaishnav food follows these fundamental principles, emphasising purity, and simplicity, mentioned Kotak. “One of the most sacred preparations in Vaishnavism is the prasad, also known as samagri, which is prepared as an offering to God. There is a deeply ingrained tradition that whatever food is cooked must first be offered to God before it is consumed by anyone. This act of offering is an essential ritual, reflecting devotion and reverence,” informed Kotak.

When preparing samagri, the food must be made without tempering. The ingredients must adhere to strict guidelines: no onions, no garlic, no fish, no meat, and no root vegetables. Green vegetables like zucchini, lauki ki sabzi, and makhana or black rice kheer are some examples.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lin Laishram (@linlaishram)

“The process of making prasad also involves strict personal and culinary hygiene. For instance, the person preparing the food must take a bath before entering the kitchen. This is a mandatory practice to ensure the purity of the food offered to the deity,” shared Kotak.

For those who follow strict Vaishnavism, the rules become even more rigorous. They avoid using non-stick utensils and instead prefer traditional steel or copper vessels, said Kotak.

Overall, Vaishnav khaana, especially in the context of Manipur, embodies a unique blend of dietary restrictions and ritual purity. “It highlights a profound spiritual discipline where the act of cooking and eating is intertwined with religious devotion and cultural traditions,” said Kotak.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.