5 ways to deal with parents who want you to quit non-veg in Navratri

Never say no to chicken if you really love it. Photo Courtesy: Pinterest/Janet Helton

That time of the year is here again when the blaring sound of Falguni Pathak singing Yaad Piye Ki Aane Lagi becomes your evening alarm, announcing the onset of what I call a chicken-lover's darkest period--the Navratri .

While the world reels in the festive mood, you're out there somewhere, mourning your separation with chicken, onion, garlic, and all things savoury. Why? Well, because your tradition Nazi parents just wouldn't let you crack non-veg jokes, leave alone actually eating non-veg during those nine days.

But don't worry ladies. Here are five ways to handle them during this tough time:

Remind Them Of The Values They've Instilled In You

In all probability, your parents have always encouraged you to be yourself and make your own identity. So, remind them that being a non-veg lover forms the core of that identity. Question them--question them about how they can expect you to act like someone else for nine long days. Ask them how they can suddenly fray from what they've taught you all your life life. Ask them how they can suddenly expect you to not take those values seriously for nine days of a year.

I can assure you that they'll have no answer to their agayakari putri's very logical questions. On second thoughts, a tight slap or a flying chappal can be their smart retort. But don't get discouraged.

Offer Some More Logic

Nine days, million celebrations, and gazillion restrictions--when it comes to food. From garlic to onions to well-chicken--all things necessary to keep your brains and taste buds going.

How can you possibly expect a person to function normally for nine goddamn days if you snatch away the very source of protein from their diet? I am sure if you tell your parents about how that lack of protein could translate into hair fall, muscle weakness and what not-they'd understand because nothing worries Indian parents more than their eligible daughter's looks deteriorating.

Fight For Equality

If it's about not killing animals for nine days, then how can your parents kill so many plants? Yes, muster up the courage to look at them in the eye, dear braveheart, and ask them straight. Either the whole family survives on sand and mud for nine days or people just eat what they want to each. On second thoughts, even sand and mud has germs and you're not allowed to kill, dude. So the whole family must starve together.

Strike a Bargain

Why don't you tell mommy dear that you'd starve all day on karva chauth if she lets you eat what you want during these nine days? I mean, one day of starvation is worth 9 days of enjoying the melt-in-the-mouth chicken tikkas and savory butter chicken that make the world a better place to be, right?

Take Their 'Joh Karna Hai Karo' Seriously

If your parents are peace lovers and don't respond to your logic with violence, then in all probability, sarcasm is the weapon they will try to use in order to weaken your resolve to eat chicken. Talking from personal experience, you will get a "do whatever you want" in the end of your conversation.

Don't get discouraged there, my friend. Look at the positive side: Your parents have finally given you the free pass. The taunts and scolds that might follow after you actually come back home smelling like a tikka yourself can be handled later. Chicken is worth the effort, I say.