World Vegetarian Day is observed annually on October 1 globally to raise awareness about the ethical, environmental, health, and humanitarian benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. The day was initiated by the North American Vegetarian Society in Scotland in 1977 during the World Vegetarian Congress.
World Vegetarian Day is celebrated to emphasize environmental considerations, animal welfare, and rights issues, and personal health benefits to encourage people into ditching animal products. The full week between October 1–7 is observed as the International Vegetarian Week (IVW).