There is a unique city in India where food choices are not just about taste, they are about faith, tradition and compassion. Imagine a place where the entire population follows a vegetarian lifestyle by law.
In this city, selling or consuming meat, fish, or eggs isn’t just discouraged; it is completely banned. The reason? Deep-rooted belief in non-violence.
Welcome to Palitana, a town in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district. It is known as the world’s first city to officially ban non-vegetarian food.
This city, often called the City of Temples, is home to over 800 intricately carved Jain temples built over the last 900 years. It is one of the holiest Jain pilgrimage sites.
The ban traces back to 2014 when nearly 200 Jain monks went on a hunger strike, demanding an end to animal slaughter and the sale of meat within the city.
Following their peaceful protest, the government implemented a complete prohibition on the sale, purchase and consumption of meat, fish and eggs in Palitana.
The move was seen as a landmark moment, reflecting how religious values and civic governance can align to preserve cultural identity.
Food in Palitana is the reflection of Jain philosophy which focuses on purity and non-violence. Even root vegetables like onions, garlic and potatoes are avoided to prevent harming organisms in the soil.
Many Jains here also avoid milk and dairy so vegan or non-root-based food is quite common across restaurants and homes in the region.
Visitors can enjoy authentic Gujarati vegetarian delicacies like Dhokla, Khandvi, Kadhi, Gathiya and the comforting Dal Dhokli.
Another local favorite is Rotlo, a millet flatbread topped with jaggery and ghee, often served with Sev Tameta nu Shaak, a spicy tomato gravy.
While other religious cities in India discourage meat and alcohol due to religious customs, not legal mandates, Palitana remains the only city where non-veg food is banned by law.