There’s a distinctive metropolis in India the place meals decisions usually are not nearly style, they’re about religion, custom and compassion. Think about a spot the place the complete inhabitants follows a vegetarian life-style by regulation.
On this metropolis, promoting or consuming meat, fish, or eggs isn’t simply discouraged; it’s fully banned. The explanation? Deep-rooted perception in non-violence.
Welcome to Palitana, a city in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district. It is named the world’s first metropolis to formally ban non-vegetarian meals.
This metropolis, typically known as the Metropolis of Temples, is residence to over 800 intricately carved Jain temples constructed during the last 900 years. It is likely one of the holiest Jain pilgrimage websites.
The ban traces again to 2014 when practically 200 Jain monks went on a starvation strike, demanding an finish to animal slaughter and the sale of meat throughout the metropolis.
Following their peaceable protest, the federal government applied a whole prohibition on the sale, buy and consumption of meat, fish and eggs in Palitana.
The transfer was seen as a landmark second, reflecting how spiritual values and civic governance can align to protect cultural id.
Meals in Palitana is the reflection of Jain philosophy which focuses on purity and non-violence. Even root greens like onions, garlic and potatoes are prevented to stop harming organisms within the soil.
Many Jains right here additionally keep away from milk and dairy so vegan or non-root-based meals is kind of frequent throughout eating places and houses within the area.
Guests can get pleasure from genuine Gujarati vegetarian delicacies like Dhokla, Khandvi, Kadhi, Gathiya and the comforting Dal Dhokli.
One other native favourite is Rotlo, a millet flatbread topped with jaggery and ghee, typically served with Sev Tameta nu Shaak, a spicy tomato gravy.
Whereas different spiritual cities in India discourage meat and alcohol attributable to spiritual customs, not authorized mandates, Palitana stays the one metropolis the place non-veg meals is banned by regulation.
