Palitana is considered one of the most sacred cities and Jain pilgrims flock here in large numbers. Located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat it is known for its magnificent cluster of temples. Shatrunjaya Hill is home to around 800 temples. The ascent to the hill involves climbing approximately 3,750 steps, a journey that devotees undertake with great reverence, often starting early in the morning.
Palitana has both religious and spiritual significance along with architectural grandeur. Recently the city has added another reason for it to be an important part of Indian history. Its decision to ban non vegetarian food in fact makes it a part of World history, since it is the first city anywhere in the world to do so.
While Gujarat has always been a largely vegetarian state, eating or buying meat was never banned by the law. Many believe the State has been vegetarian due to the cultural and social preferences of the majority communities living here as well as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, who belonged to this region and was vegetarian. This is also possibly one of the key regions why Gujarat is also a dry state (selling and buying alcohol is illegal in Gujarat.)
In Palitana, in particular Jain monks had been protesting, asking for the butcher shops to be shut down and making the act of killing animals, the buying and selling of meat and its consumption, illegal. Their protests are believed to be based on the principles of Jainism where ahimsa or non-violence plays an important role. Jains believe that no living being - be it humans, insects, birds or animals should be hurt, let alone killed or eaten.
Photo Credit: Freepik
This ban means that the sale and consumption of meat as well as the butchering of animals for meat is declared illegal and punishable by law in the city of Palitana. The supporters of the ban claimed that any public display of meat affects the culture of a place and could also hurt religious sentiments of many. They claimed that this can also have a negative impact on children. Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat said that meat shops especially those located in clusters in busy areas cause traffic congestion and not having them will help reduce traffic.
What’s Next?
After Palitana there were similar orders to regulate the buying, selling and consumption of meat in Rajkot also in Gujarat. As per the new rules here, the preparation and display of any non vegetarian food in public spaces is prohibited. Similarly Junagadh, Vadodara and Ahmedabad will follow similar restrictions. Is this just the beginning? Will other cities in India, outside the State of Gujarat follow suit or not remains to be seen.