Palitana, Gujarat, becomes
the first city in the world to outlaw the sale and
consumption of non-vegetarian food, reflecting its
deep Jain heritage.
Around 200 Jain monks
protested, demanding the closure of 250 butcher
shops, reflecting their faith’s principle of
non-violence (ahimsa).
Palitana, known as
"Jain Temple Town," houses over 800 temples,
including the renowned Adinath Temple, attracting
thousands of devotees annually.
Palitana's temples, dating
back to the 5th century AD, are considered sacred
sites where Jains believe they can achieve
liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
Cities like Rajkot,
Vadodara, Junagadh, and Ahmedabad have started
implementing similar regulations, respecting local
sensitivities and cultural values.
The ban has sparked
discussions on balancing religious practices with
individual freedoms in India’s diverse cultural
landscape.
Despite controversies,
Palitana’s ban underscores its dedication to Jain
principles and may shape societal norms in Gujarat
and beyond.