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Palitana, a sacred Jain site with over 900 temples, was declared a legally vegetarian city in 2014 after Jain monks appealed for a ban on meat, fish, and eggs
Palitana is the principal pilgrimage destination for the Shvetambara sect of Jainism. (News18 Hindi)
Imagine a city where eating or even carrying non-vegetarian food is not just frowned upon but strictly against the law. Welcome to Palitana, a town in Gujarat, India, and the only place in the world where non-vegetarian food including meat, fish, and eggs is completely banned. Declared a legally vegetarian zone by the Gujarat government in 2014, Palitana stands as a living example of non-violence in practice.
A revered religious site for the Jain community, Palitana is often referred to as the ‘Jain Temple Town’, home to over 900 Jain temples. Every year, thousands of devotees and tourists from across the world visit this sacred city, drawn not only to its spiritual legacy but also to its rare status as a legally meat-free city.
A Sacred City With A Legal Ban
Located in the Bhavnagar district near Ahmedabad, Palitana’s vegetarian status is deeply rooted in Jainism’s core principle of Ahimsa, or non-violence. According to Jain teachings, harming any living being is a sin—this includes consuming animals or animal products. Acting on the appeal of Jain monks, the Gujarat government in 2014 legally prohibited the sale and consumption of meat, fish, and eggs in Palitana.
Since then, the city has had no slaughterhouses or non-vegetarian restaurants. Even tourists are not allowed to bring non-vegetarian food into its boundaries. This makes Palitana not only a unique religious hub but also the world’s only city with a legal ban on all forms of non-vegetarian food.
Home To 900 Jain Temples
Palitana is the principal pilgrimage destination for the Shvetambara sect of Jainism. Its crown jewel is Shatrunjaya Hill, a sacred site with around 900 intricately carved marble temples built between the 11th and 20th centuries. These temples are believed to be Siddhkshetra, or places of liberation, where several Jain Tirthankaras attained salvation.
Reaching the temples requires climbing approximately 3,500 steps, a journey many undertake as an act of devotion. The hill is also linked to regional history, including the rule of the Gohil Rajputs, adding another layer of cultural richness to the site.
A Harmonious Blend of Faiths
With a population of around 65,000 and a high literacy rate of 85%, Palitana is home to a mix of communities, 60% Jains, 35% Hindus, and around 5% Muslims and others. Despite differing religious beliefs, the communities coexist peacefully under the shared understanding of the city’s vegetarian law.
While Islam permits the consumption of meat, including during festivals like Bakrid, Muslims living in Palitana respect the local legal and cultural context. Many have even voluntarily adopted vegetarianism, particularly those with close business ties to the Jain community.
A Pure Vegetarian Lifestyle
Every hotel, restaurant, and dharamshala in Palitana serves strictly vegetarian food. Staples include dairy products, vegetables, and fruits. Even onions and garlic, which are considered tamasic and avoided in Jain and certain Hindu traditions, are neither sold nor used in the city. Those who wish to buy these must travel to nearby towns such as Bhavnagar.
The ban has not only shaped culinary practices but also contributed to a lower carbon footprint and better overall health among residents. However, the strict food norms do pose challenges for some foreign tourists unfamiliar with such dietary restrictions.
Livelihood Rooted in Faith
Palitana’s economy is closely tied to religious tourism. With lakhs of pilgrims arriving annually, most employment revolves around temple services, hospitality, transportation, and local retail. Every 12 years, the city hosts the Mahamastakabhishek, a grand ceremonial event that draws massive crowds.
The meat ban did impact small-scale meat vendors, especially from the Muslim community, who had to change professions. Yet, many have adjusted, choosing professions that align with the city’s values and preserving social harmony.
Is Palitana Truly One of a Kind?
While other religious cities in India such as Rishikesh, Haridwar, Ayodhya, Vrindavan, and Pushkar discourage meat and alcohol due to religious customs, these are typically social or cultural codes, not legal mandates. Palitana remains the only city where vegetarianism is enforced by lawPalitana, a sacred Jain site with over 900 temples, was declared a legally vegetarian city in 2014 after Jain monks appealed for a ban on meat, fish, and eggs.
- Location :
Palitana, India, India
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