'No Entry' For Non-Veg: This Indian City In The World Becomes First To Declare Non-Veg Food Illegal

In a historic decision taken by the authorities, Palitana city of Bhavnagar district, situated in Gujarat state, has become the first city in the world to ban non-vegetarian food. This decision to ban non-vegetarian food was taken after the city made the sales and consumption of meat as well as the butchering of animals for meat illegal and punishable by law. Palitana has a rich history and is also a famous pilgrimage site for the Jain religion. 

The decision is the result of the protests held by more than 200 Jain monks, who demanded the closing of more than 250 butcher houses in the city. 

Palitana: The Jain City 

Palitana is one of the holiest pilgrimage locations for the Jains, and the place, which is located in the Shatrunjaya Hills, is also known as the Jain Temple Town, as there are 800 Jain temples in the city. 

The most famous Jain temple in the city is Adinath Temple, and it is dedicated to Lord Adinath, who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism. Palitana is one of the historical cities, not only for tourism but also because of its religious significance. This temple, along with a group of other temples in this region, has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the Jains, and it dates back to the 5th century AD. 

According to some Jain texts, Palitana is one of those places where you can achieve Moksha.

Non-Veg Ban in Gujarat?

The series of orders that regulate the sale of non-vegetarian food began in Rajkot. All of these orders prohibited the display and preparation of non-vegetarian food. Vadodara soon followed the example where Junagadh and Ahmedabad also followed the same regulations in the city.

People who are against non-vegetarian food say that the display of meat hurts their sensitivity and sentiments and also impacts children negatively. Moreover, the Chief Minister of Gujarat linked this decision to reducing traffic congestion in the state. Well, this push to ban non-vegetarian food is not new in the state. Gujarat is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, who advocated vegetarian food his whole life, and following his ideologies has been considered a duty by millions. 

The Vaishnav Hindu culture of Gujarat influenced vegetarianism in the state. 88.5% of the total population of the state is Hindu, Jain stands at 1%, and Muslims and Christians form a total of 10%. Vaishnavism is the predominant religious culture in the state. 

This shift towards vegetarianism in Gujarat reflects the deep-rooted culture and history. It also shows the influence of historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and the importance of religious places like Palitana.