- Religious Sanctity Prioritised
- Online Deliveries Restricted
- Strict Enforcement Announced
Article Today, Ayodhya:
The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to ban the sale and supply of non-vegetarian food along the Ayodhya Dham and Panchkosi Parikrama routes. The move, taken by the Yogi Adityanath-led administration, is aimed at preserving the religious and cultural sanctity of the sacred pilgrimage corridors.
Areas Under Restriction
The prohibition covers Ayodhya Dham and the Panchkosi Parikrama route, which extends for nearly 15 kilometres around the temple town. These routes are considered highly sacred by devotees. Therefore, the government has declared the entire stretch a vegetarian zone.
Expansion Beyond Shops
Earlier, restrictions applied mainly to meat shops, hotels and restaurants. However, the government has now extended the ban to online food and grocery delivery platforms. Authorities clarified that non-vegetarian food cannot be delivered through mobile applications within the notified areas.
Reason for Extension
According to officials, several complaints were received from local residents. They alleged that tourists were ordering non-vegetarian food through online platforms, which hurt religious sentiments. Taking these concerns into account, the administration decided to include online deliveries within the scope of the ban.
Guesthouses and Homestays
In addition, guesthouses and homestays operating in the restricted zones have been directed not to prepare or serve non-vegetarian food. The administration has instructed operators to strictly follow the guidelines while hosting pilgrims and tourists.
Monitoring and Compliance
Meanwhile, the district administration has announced continuous monitoring to ensure compliance. Special teams will conduct inspections across the affected routes. Any violation, including sale or delivery of prohibited food items, will invite immediate action.
Legal Warning
Assistant Food Commissioner Manik Chandra said that shopkeepers, hotel owners and online delivery vendors have been formally informed of the decision. He added that violations would lead to strict legal action, including cancellation of licences and registration of cases where required.
Spiritual Focus
After the inauguration of the Ram temple, Ayodhya has seen a sharp rise in pilgrim and tourist numbers. Officials said the decision was taken to maintain the spiritual atmosphere of the city. The government maintained that the measures were necessary to protect faith, culture and public sentiment in one of India’s most significant religious centres.
