Non-veg chai? Passenger complains over 'halal-certified tea' served in Indian railways | WATCH

'Halal,' an Arabic term meaning 'permissible' in contrast to 'haram' (forbidden), is commonly associated with meat and animal-related items. In the video, the man calls an IRCTC official to address the issue and the inconvenience caused.

A viral video has captured a passenger's complaint about 'Halal' tea served on an Indian Railways coach. The Hindu passenger expresses concern over the product's labeling and worries if the beverage might be non-vegetarian.

'Halal,' an Arabic term meaning 'permissible' in contrast to 'haram' (forbidden), is commonly associated with meat and animal-related items. In the video, the man calls an IRCTC official to address the issue and the inconvenience caused.

In the video, the man is seen saying, "Sawan ka mahina chal raha hai, aap halal chai pila rahe hain (You are serving halal tea during the month of Sawan)." To this, the staff replies confirming that the tea is vegetarian and says, "Chai vegetarian hi hota hai, sir (Tea is vegetarian only)."

However, he acknowledges the issue raised by the passenger and assures him that necessary care would be taken in this regard to ensure no other traveller on the transport faces any problem.

During a journey on the Vande Bharat Express, a passenger was served a tea labeled 'Chaizup.' However, the tea premix carried a 'halal certification' alongside a '100% vegetarian' stamp, leaving the passenger feeling both confused and concerned about its suitability, particularly during the ongoing holy month of Shravan.

The 'halal certification' indicates that the food or product is permissible according to Islamic dietary laws. Halal India, the country's leading provider of such certifications, holds recognition in 120 countries.

A few years ago, Sri Ram Sene and Hindu Janajagruti Samiti drew attention to the issue, expressing dissatisfaction that the halal certificate was being enforced on Hindus despite the presence of government agencies like FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India). They argued that such foods were spiritually unsuitable for offering or consumption in Hindu traditions. The incident reignites discussions about the complexities of religious dietary preferences and the importance of clear and accurate labeling on food products.