Palitana, a city in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district, has made history by becoming the first city globally to ban the sale, consumption, and butchering of non-vegetarian food. This groundbreaking decision reflects the deep cultural and religious influence of Jainism in the area, following protests by approximately 200 Jain monks who demanded the closure of 250 butcher shops.

Known as a major pilgrimage site for Jains, Palitana is famed for over 800 temples, including the significant Adinath Temple.

This development is part of a broader trend in Gujarat, where cities like Rajkot, Vadodara, Junagadh, and Ahmedabad have introduced various restrictions on non-vegetarian food. The movement, influenced by Gujarat’s predominant Vaishnav Hindu culture and figures like Mahatma Gandhi, aims to promote vegetarianism. The shift in dietary practices highlights the ongoing cultural and religious influence in the region.