International Meatless Day: November 25
Take the Pledge: Go Meatless for a Day, Honor Compassion Every Day
Join us on November 25 in honoring Sadhu Vaswani’s vision of compassion by choosing a day of peace for animals, our planet, and humanity.
Each year on November 25, millions around the world pledge to go meatless for one day in honor of Sadhu Vaswani’s message of love and kindness toward all beings. By choosing a meat-free day, you join a global movement that saves lives, uplifts the planet, and brings us all closer to a more compassionate world.
Take the Pledge:
Go Meatless for a Day
Honor Compassion Every Day
25 November – International Meatless Day, also called the ‘International Vegetarian Day’, 25 November, birthday of Sadhu T.L. Vaswani, an Indian educator and advocate for vegetarianism. The day is celebrated by abstaining from eating non-vegetarian food.
International Meatless Day, also known as International Vegetarian Day or SAK Meatless Day, is celebrated on November 25th. It’s a day to abstain from eating meat and honor the birthday of Sadhu T.L. Vaswani, an Indian educator and vegetarian advocate.
The day was proposed in 1986 by Dada JP Vaswani, the former spiritual head of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission. The campaign’s goal is to encourage people to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle to prevent the killing of animals.
Why November 25?
International Meatless Day, observed annually on November 25, is celebrated worldwide to honor the birth anniversary of Sadhu Vaswani, a visionary spiritual leader and advocate of compassion. Sadhu Vaswani’s life was devoted to promoting kindness toward all creatures, and his teachings inspire millions to adopt lifestyles of non-violence and respect. By going meatless for just one day, we can each contribute to reducing suffering, fostering peace, and building a sustainable future for all. Sadhu Vaswani believed that a small act of kindness could ignite great change—and that even one meatless day has the power to transform the world
Some ways people celebrate International Meatless Day include:
- Closing slaughterhouses
- Holding vegetarian food festivals
- Vegetarian Cooking competitions
- Vegetarian and Animal Rights Slogan writing competitions
- Dress up competitions - Dress Like a VEggie or your fav farm animal
- Peace marches and rallies
- Veg Plegde activations to get more people to join the movement
- Initiate a GREENHAND Movement in your city / country
Sadhu TL on Animal Welfare
Join us this November 25 to create a kinder, healthier world for all.
The Benefits of Going Meatless
Why Go Meatless?
Choosing a meat-free day benefits not only animals but also the environment, human health, and our collective spirit. Here’s how even a single day without meat can make a difference:
For the Planet
Reducing meat consumption decreases carbon emissions, conserves water, and protects natural habitats. Studies show that meatless meals have a significantly lower environmental impact.
For Health
A meatless diet has been associated with numerous health benefits, including lower risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and improved energy levels.
For Compassion
Opting for plant-based meals even one day a week helps minimize animal suffering, allowing us to embrace compassion as a central value in our lives. By taking the Veg Pledge, you’re making a commitment to these values, helping create a world where compassion for animals and care for our planet are part of everyday life.
benefits of being meatless and plant based
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: One day of plant-based eating helps lower greenhouse gas emissions, which are significant contributors to climate change.
- Water Conservation: Choosing plant-based meals conserves water as producing plant foods typically requires far less water than animal-based products.
- Reduced Deforestation: Less demand for meat helps reduce deforestation for livestock farming, which protects habitats and biodiversity.
- Lowered Risk of Heart Disease: Plant-based diets are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which can contribute to better heart health.
- Improved Digestion: Fiber from plants supports digestive health, helping with regularity and reducing risks of colon cancer.
- Increased Energy: Plant-based foods are generally easier for the body to digest, leaving you feeling lighter and more energized.
- Positive Mental Outlook: Studies have shown that reducing meat intake can help lower stress levels and enhance mood.
- Encourages Mindful Eating: Choosing plant-based meals fosters awareness about what you eat, which can lead to a more balanced, mindful approach to food.
- Better Sleep Quality: Plant-based foods may lead to better sleep quality due to fewer stimulants and toxins present in these natural foods.
- Reduced Animal Suffering: By choosing plant-based foods, you support a system that requires fewer animals to be raised and slaughtered for food.
- Support for Animal Rights: Every plant-based choice is a step towards promoting humane treatment of animals.
- Encouraging Alternatives: Choosing plant-based options encourages more ethical food production systems that are kinder to animals.
The SVC Greenhand Movement (NYC)
Join the Greenhand Movement in NYC
This November 25, join us in New York City for the SVC Greenhand Movement, an inspiring activation to raise awareness for International Meatless Day. We’re bringing together people from all walks of life at iconic NYC landmarks, raising symbolic green foam hands with the message, “I Took the Veg Pledge.” These foam hands represent the power of collective action and commitment to a compassionate future. From Times Square to the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park to MoMA, let’s come together to spread the message of kindness. By raising our green hands, we show NYC—and the world—that compassion is the way forward. Join us in person, or take the pledge online to be part of this powerful movement.
About Sadhu Vaswani’s Vision
Sadhu Vaswani’s Legacy of Compassion
Sadhu Vaswani’s life was a beacon of peace, compassion, and service. His dedication to kindness for all beings was at the heart of his teachings, and his lifelong mission was to uplift humanity by fostering love and compassion. Sadhu Vaswani’s message inspired Dada J.P. Vaswani to create International Meatless Day as a tribute to his master’s vision. By encouraging people worldwide to adopt a plant-based diet, even if for a single day, they believed that true compassion would grow within every heart. Sadhu Vaswani’s teachings continue to inspire millions around the world, challenging us all to look beyond our personal needs and embrace a life of love, kindness, and peace toward all beings.
Didi Krishna's message on animal rights
Global Support & Testimonials
Voices for Meatless Day
International Meatless Day has received the support of influential figures across the world who believe in a compassionate future. Their messages reflect the importance of this day and the potential for change when we come together. Quotes from Supporters:
Dalai Lama
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Aamir Khan
How to Take the Veg Pledge
Take the Veg Pledge Now
Frequently Asked Questions
Going Meatless on November 25
This date is the birth anniversary of Sadhu Vaswani, a spiritual leader dedicated to kindness toward all beings. The day honors his vision by encouraging people worldwide to adopt a meat-free diet.
Reducing meat consumption decreases greenhouse gas emissions, conserves water, and saves natural habitats, supporting a healthier environment.
Start small! Try simple plant-based meals for a day and explore options. It’s easier than you might think and a rewarding experience.
Have More Questions? Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Have More Questions? Contact Us
Resources & Further Reading
Explore More on Compassionate Living
Learn more about the environmental impact of meatless diets, health benefits of vegetarianism, and Sadhu Vaswani’s compassion-driven philosophies. Article links on the environmental, health, and compassionate benefits of plant-based diets. Resources on vegetarian nutrition and meal planning.
Connect with Us on Social Media
#MeatlessDay
#VegPledge
#GreenhandMovement
Image & Video Gallery
Meatless Day in Action: Photo & Video Gallery
View photos and videos of Meatless Day events from around the world, NYC’s Greenhand Movement, and testimonials. Experience the inspiring impact of this day and see how each pledge is a step toward a kinder future.
Press Links
The man who inspired the International Meatless Day
Since 1986, 25 November has been observed as International Meatless Day. While the day may have received new attention in recent years with the rise of veganism and vegetarian lifestyles, International Meatless Day was instituted to mark Sadhu Vaswani Jayanti, the birthday of educationist Sadhu TL Vaswani, a proponent of vegetarianism.
PM Narendra Modi, Aamir Khan and Sadhu Vaswani are all Going Meatless on November 25th
A public service announcement has been circulating of Prime Minister Modi, Aamir Khan and Dada J.P Vaswani about giving up meat for World Meatless and Animal Rights Day on the 25th of November. The Sadhu Vaswani mission has always advocated a life of vegetarianism and have urged their followers to give up eating meat products. Every year they celebrate this day by spreading awareness and asking people to ‘pledge to go veg and give up meat.’
'No non-veg day' in UP today, all meat shops ordered shut
November 25 has been declared as "no non-veg day" across Uttar Pradesh to mark the birth anniversary of Sadhu TL Vaswani. Every year on this date, all meat shops and slaughterhouses will remain shut.
International Meatless Day 2017: Aamir Khan, Narendra Modi Support Dada Vaswani’s Mission to Go Veg
Every year, November 25th is celebrated as International Meatless Day. The tradition was first started in 1986 by the Sadhu Vaswani Mission which aimed to serve mankind, especially the poor. Over the years, the campaign has met with success and millions of individuals have sent their pledges to the Sadhu Vaswani Mission to go meatless on this day.
Celebrations mark 144th birth anniversary of Sadhu Vaswani
The event, which began on November 23, will culminate on November 25 with the global observance of Sadhu Vaswani’s birthday as International Meatless Day. The celebrations include the annual rath yatra, with students and staff of St Miras school and college, as well as other members of the Mission, traversing the city’s streets and concluding at the sacred Samadhi of Sadhu Vaswani.
Uttar Pradesh declares November 25 as ‘No Non-Veg Day’
A government circular mandates strict adherence to the directive, celebrating the birth anniversaries of influential figures who advocated the doctrine of non-violence. “As we celebrate Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Jayanti, Gandhi Jayanti and Sadhu TL Vaswani Jayanti, the UP government has been issuing notifications to keep the slaughterhouses closed in the state,” the notification of the UP government said.