Palitana: The first city in the world to impose a complete ban on the sale and consumption of animals
Palitana, in the Gujarat's Bhavnagar district of India, has become the world's first city to outlaw non-vegetarian food. This historic decision, makes the killing of animals for meat and the sale and consumption of meat and eggs illegal and punishable by law. The Gujarat region is where Mahatma Gandhi epitomized vegetarianism and, in following his example, now considered a pious duty by millions around the world.
TIMES OF INDIA: Palitana, a vegetarian city located in the western Indian state of Gujarat, remains a hidden gem off the usual tourist routes. Situated in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district, Palitana has become the world’s first city to outlaw non-vegetarian food. This historic decision, making the killing of animals for meat and the sale and consumption of meat illegal and punishable by law, followed a protest by about 200 Jain monks demanding the closure of approximately 250 butcher shops…
Orders to regulate the selling of non-vegetarian food have also been imposed in Rajkot, another city in Gujarat, where the preparation and display of non-vegetarian food in public spaces have been banned. Similar regulations were enacted in Vadodara, Junagadh, and Ahmedabad. Opponents of public meat displays argue that it can offend people’s sensitivities and have a negative impact…
The series of orders regulating the selling of non-vegetarian food began in Rajkot. These orders prohibited the preparation and display of non-vegetarian food in public spaces. Vadodara soon followed this example, with Junagadh and Ahmedabad implementing similar regulations. Opponents of non-vegetarian food argued that the display of meat hurt their sensitivities and negatively impacted people, especially children…
Vegetarianism in Gujarat is largely influenced by the dominant Vaishnav Hindu culture. Hindus constitute 88.5% of Gujarat’s population, with Jains forming about 1%, and Muslims and Christians making up about 10%. Vaishnavism is the predominant religious culture in the state…
Palitana is renowned as a significant pilgrimage site for Jains and is also known as the Jain Temple Town, situated around the Shatrunjaya Hills. The Palitana city boasts more than 800 temples, with the Adinath Temple being the most famous and is now recognised as the world’s first city where non-veg is illegal…
The shift towards vegetarianism in Gujarat, epitomised by cities like Palitana and policies in Ahmedabad, reflects deep cultural and religious roots. Yet, the state’s evolving dynamics show a complex relationship with dietary practices, balancing tradition with changing consumption patterns. As Gujarat navigates this terrain, the influence of historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and contemporary regulations continue to shape its culinary landscape and made Palitana as the first city where non-veg is banned…
Mahatma Gandhi was a lifelong advocate of vegetarianism, although he experimented with meat during his school days. A friend of his elder brother convinced him to eat mutton. However, Gandhi largely avoided non-vegetarian food out of respect for his parents, who were devout Vaishnavites—followers of a Hindu belief system that prescribes strict vegetarianism. SOURCE…
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