Three Holy Cities announced in Punjab: Here are key changes, restrictions & exemptions

November 25, 2025

The Punjab government officially declared Sri Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, and the old Walled City of Amritsar as “holy cities.” A special Punjab Assembly session was held in Sri Anandpur Sahib, the first outside Chandigarh.

A resolution was passed imposing a complete ban on the sale and use of alcohol, meat, and all intoxicants, including tobacco, in these cities, which are home to the three Takhats.

The government claims that this decision fulfils a long-standing demand of the Sangat and will now implement special plans to promote cleanliness, security, development, and religious tourism in these cities.

What will change, and what will remain prohibited?

What will change: Following the declaration of holy cities, sanitation will be further strengthened in these areas, crowd management and traffic control will be improved. Historical streets and religious routes will be beautified, and illegal activities will be strictly monitored. The government will now focus on making these cities more culturally and religiously safe and organized.

These activities will be prohibited: The government has clarified that the sale of alcohol, non-vegetarian food, tobacco, and narcotics will now be completely banned in holy cities. Events, posters, or activities that offend religious sentiments will also be prohibited. Strict action will also be taken against littering, haphazard parking, and behaviour that increases crowding.

Where will exemptions be granted: There will be no restrictions on shops selling daily necessities, such as fruits and vegetables, milk, grains, and essential goods. There will be no restrictions on religious programs, the movement of devotees, or the normal daily routine of local residents. Essential services will remain available to the public as before, and there will be no special restrictions on movement.

CM said, “Long-standing demand fulfilled.”
During a special session of the Punjab Assembly on Monday, CM Bhagwant Mann said, “During a special session of the Assembly convened at Sri Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa, a resolution was passed declaring the cities of Sri Amritsar Sahib, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo), and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib (Sri Anandpur Sahib), the three Takhts, as official holy cities of Punjab.”

By banning the sale and use of meat, alcohol, tobacco, and other intoxicants in these cities, the long-standing demand of the Sangat was fulfilled.

The Punjab government will take special steps to develop, clean, protect, and promote religious tourism in these holy cities and will release the necessary budget for this purpose. Funds will also be sought from the central government.