Bhavnagar: In a world where dietary choices are diverse and often debated, one city has taken an unprecedented step by completely banning non-veg food, and it’s right here in India.
Palitana, a holy city in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district, holds the unique distinction of being the first city in the world to officially ban the sale, non-vegetarian food, including meat and eggs.
The remarkable decision came into effect in 2014 after nearly 200 jain monks staged a hunger strike demanding the closure butcher shops and slaughterhouses. Their protest was rooted in the core Jain belief of “Ahimsa”, or non-violence, which opposes harm to any living being. Responding to the demand, the Gujarat government took action and shut down over 250 meat shops, making Palitana a 100% vegetarian city.
Palitana city is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Jains and is home to over 800 temples on the Shatrunjaya Hills. The city’s cultural and spiritual significance played a major role in shaping this bold move.
Now, the food in Palitana strictly adheres to Jain vegetarian practices – even root vegetables like onions, garlic, and potatoes are avoided to prevent harming tiny organisms in the soil.
The city’s firm stand on compassion and non-violence has drawn attention globally, sparking discussions on ethical eating and cultural influence on food policies. Palitana has truly set a global example of how faith and governance can work together to create unique, value-based living environments.