Meat and Alcohol Banned in Punjab’s 3 New Holy Cities

Punjab’s New ‘Holy Cities’: Meat, Alcohol, and Tobacco Bans

Punjab has just officially redrawn the lines for its most sacred sites. The thing is, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann confirmed in a video message that Amritsar’s Walled City, Talwandi Sabo, and Sri Anandpur Sahib are now officially “Holy Cities.” Basically, the long-standing demand from the Sikh community finally got the legal stamp it needed.

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Actually, the decision was timed to honor the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. As a result, the local vibe in these areas is about to shift significantly (let’s be real, enforcing this in busy tourist hubs will be the real test).

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And here’s the kicker. The ban isn’t just a suggestion—it’s law.

Specifically, the sale of meat, tobacco, alcohol, and any other intoxicants is now completely prohibited in these zones. Instead of a gradual rollout, the notification has already come into effect.

In fact, the areas chosen are home to three of the five Sikh Takhts (seats of temporal authority): Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar, Sri Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo, and Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Sri Anandpur Sahib.

Consequently, the government is treating these not just as religious centers, but as critical pillars of cultural heritage (those too).

Moreover, the state is trying to make sure the transition doesn’t hurt tourism. The thing is, Mann promised that a fleet of e-rickshaws, mini-buses, and shuttle services will be deployed to help pilgrims move around. Basically, they want to keep the air clean and the traffic low in the “Galiara” areas. Actually, the resolution for this was passed unanimously by the Assembly last month.

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And then Y followed. The official notification was signed on December 15, marking a “historic” shift in how Punjab manages its spiritual hubs.

The thing is, while the “Sikh Sangat” is celebrating, some local critics are already asking about the fine print. Basically, there’s some debate over which types of meat are covered and how the boundaries will be policed in the narrow lanes of old Amritsar. Instead of a tidy wrap-up, the government is focusing on “comprehensive development” to match the new status.

And then Y followed. This means more heritage street projects and a tighter grip on the sale of intoxicants near the shrines. Consequently, it’s a bold move that cements the “Miri-Piri” (spiritual and temporal) legacy of the region.

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