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VOL. 2, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Food, faith, and the stars: Exploring the relationship between astrology and Indian cuisine
Authors
Sudip Kumar Das, Parna Sen, Tanusri Patra, Souvik Tewari
Abstract
Food in India is not merely a source of nourishment; it is deeply
embedded within religious practice, seasonal traditions, Ayurveda, social
identity, ritual observance, and regional culture. Among the less
systematically examined influences on Indian food practices is Jyotisha, or
Indian astrology, in which celestial bodies (grahas), lunar cycles,
weekdays, nakshatras, and auspicious timings may be connected with
ritual actions and dietary choices. This review explores the conceptual
relationship between astrology, faith, Ayurveda, and Indian cuisine, with
particular attention to planetary food associations, Navagraha
offerings, Navadhanya (nine sacred grains), fasting traditions, sattvic–rajasic–tamasic
classifications, festival foods, and personalized dietary practices. Historical
and cultural literature indicates that food-related rituals frequently operate
through overlapping systems rather than through astrology alone. Ayurveda
provides a framework based on rasa (taste), guna, dosha,
digestive capacity, season, and individual constitution, while religious
traditions determine fasting, food avoidance, offerings, and ritual purity.
Astrological traditions may provide an additional symbolic framework linking
particular foods, colours, grains, or offerings with planetary deities.
However, these associations should be distinguished from scientifically
established nutritional effects. Experimental investigations have not
established reliable causal relationships between planetary positions and human
personality or physiological outcomes. Therefore, the relationship between
astrology and cuisine is best understood as a cultural, symbolic, and
behavioral phenomenon, while the nutritional value of individual foods should
be evaluated using contemporary food science and nutrition evidence.
Understanding this intersection may contribute to interdisciplinary research in
food anthropology, traditional knowledge, nutrition, gastronomy, and cultural
heritage.
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Pages:29-37
How to cite this article:
Sudip Kumar Das, Parna Sen, Tanusri Patra, Souvik Tewari "Food, faith, and the stars: Exploring the relationship between astrology and Indian cuisine". World Journal of Advanced Research
, Vol 2, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 29-37
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