Amritsar Among 3 Newly-Designated Indian ‘Holy Cities’ Declared Meat-Free

December 23, 2025

When India leads the way in reducing animal consumption, it is something for the rest of the world to look up to. In July 2024, Gujarat declared Palitana a ‘Holy City’, a first-of-its-kind move in the country, banning the use, sale and consumption of meat, seafood and eggs. The push for religious and spiritual tourism has gotten stronger for sure, with Punjab following suit now.

The Punjab government has declared that Amritsar’s ‘Walled City’, also known as the Old City, where the likes of the iconic Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh are located, will not have any sale or purchase of animal food and products in general besides alcohol, tobacco and other intoxicants. Besides Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib, a city with immense spiritual heritage located on the banks of the River Satluj, and Talwandi Sabo in Bhatinda, are the other two places declared as ‘holy cities’. 

Sikhism is one of the most popular religions in the world to emphasize upon compassion to oneself, others and living beings in general. Interestingly, as per India Today in a March 2025 article, Punjab has the fifth-highest population of non-meat eaters in the country, the percentage hovering anywhere between 58 and 66.

Image Credit: NDTV

While dairy consumption remains the major challenge in India for veganism to thrive, going meat-free is a step in the right direction. The best part is that the original Punjabi cuisine is one of the most vegan-friendly cuisines in India by default. Whether it is Rajma masala, Chole masala, Aloo Gobi, Dal Tadka, Samosas, Makkai di Roti or Sarson ka Saag, among others, they are delights which people from other states and across the world enjoy too. Punjab is one of the pioneer states for the popular Soya Chaap as well. 

With Punjab arguably going one step ahead of Gujarat, will other states be inspired too to go meat-free? Time will tell, but the precedent has been set for sure.

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