The festival of Navarātrī traditionally prohibits the consumption of these plants, which are said to fuel mental lethargy and carnal desire. For 10 points each:
[10m] Name this genus or any of its specific members, whose strongly flavored examples are known as the “five pungent roots” in shōjin ryōri. Naivedya offerings prohibit the usage of these plants during their preparation.
ANSWER: allium [accept specific members like onion, garlic, leek, chive, scallion, or shallot]
[10h] In Hinduism, alliums like garlic and onion are associated with this concept, which is contrasted with stimulating foods and easily digestible ones. This guna is associated with dullness and inactivity in the sāṃkhya school.
ANSWER: tamas (“TUH-muss”) [accept tāmasic] (The other two food categories are associated with rajas and sattva respectively.)
[10e] A belief in the tāmasic (“TAH-muh-sik”), sāttvic (“SAHT-vik”), and rājasic (“RAH-juh-sik”) food groups is prevalent in this ancient alternative medicine system practiced throughout India.
ANSWER: Āyurveda [or Ayurvedic medicine]
<Vittal Bhat, Beliefs>